Magpies grind out first season win
Hay Magpies performed as a cohesive team to earn their first win of the season. Pictured are Simon Parr and Toby Whitehead in a clinch with a Black and White player. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.
By Krista Schade
Hay Magpies rugby league first grade squad played a gruelling match under lights against Griffith Black & Whites on Saturday night, posting the team’s first win for the Group 20 2024 season.
Coach Ben Taylor directed the team in the grinding game, in wet and slippery conditions at Hay Park, and it was his goal kicking the difference, but was humble in his post-game wrap up
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Taylor. “We got 100 per cent effort from our core unit.
“Jock Crighton played his first game as captain and led the seniors to their first win.
“He is a man of effort and has a ferocious nature and played out of his skin.”
Hay posted the first points of the game when Hugh Crighton crossed, but Hay lost Toby Whitehead to the sin-bin for a lifting tackle and the visitors were able to capitalise on the overlap.
A controversial try to Hay was disallowed but Taylor kept the side settled and focussed, however Griffith struck back with three unanswered tries to go into the break with a 10-point lead.
On the back of momentum from forwards Simon Parr and Dylan Lund, winger Thomas Fixter crossed for Hay narrowing the gap.
The defensive effort of Zac O’Neill was outstanding, given he had already played the reserves match.
Jack Stark made many metres and Whitehead took no backward steps when he had the ball. Hugh Crighton’s cover defence was impressive.
Griffith scored next however Lund crashed over the line soon after, bringing Hay to within four points.
Intensity lifted across the Hay line and Rex Malanicagi and Sosiceni Verenalewa had the crowd cheering as they broke the Griffith line.
With eight minutes on the clock Whitehead dove across the line and Taylor’s conversion gave Hay the lead for the first time in the game.
On the back of multiple penalties both ways, Griffith threatened the line but Hay’s defensive effort held out to take the win.
Final score: Hay 22 (Tries Hugh Crighton, Thomas Fixter, Dylan Lund, Toby Whitehead. Gaols: Ben Taylor 4) Griffith Black & Whites 20.
The reserve grade match was marred by an ugly off-field incident, where on-field send-offs spilled over into the carpark, involving players, bench players and spectators.
Zane Gash was at his usual best, despite suffering a severe injury to his mouth that required stitches post-game.
His defensive and attacking efforts have set him apart all season and he started the game with bone-rattling tackles.
Zac O’Neill and Luke Deacon provided valuable post-contact metres when they ran the ball forward, and Jesse Lewis was able to inject himself into the game in crucial moments.
Lote Clark appeared for Hay and gave a solid effort across the game.
Hay scored first when a well placed chip kick from the experienced Shayne Kennedy was grounded cleanly by Patty Miller.
The Griffith side posted the next four tries, despite valiant defence by Lloyd Schulz and Jack Morrison.
Hay was down by 18 points when an alleged head-butt by a Griffith player caused a melee on the field.
Three Black & Whites players were sent from the field by the referee, alongside Hay’s Patty Miller and tensions erupted when two Griffith players left the bench and rushed to the car park.
The four players will face the Group 20 judiciary this week.
When play restarted it took some time for Hay to re-settle but their efforts were rewarded with a flurry of tries. Coach James McLean crossed, followed by Kennedy who employed the show-and-go technique to fool defenders. Despite his injury Zane Gash scored Hay’s final try however the team went down by the narrowest of margins.
Final score: Hay 20 (Tries Patty Miller, James McLean, Shayne Kennedy, Zane Gash. Goals Ryan Gash 2) Griffith Black & Whites 22.
In the curtain raiser match Hay’s league tag side played a solid game to emerge victorious.
The Magpies were best served by Kayla Barrett, who shone in both attack and defence, and was rewarded with a try.
In a fast-paced game Wendy Gonevulavula set the speed limit and youngster Larissa Sorensen was agin unperturbed by the experience of the Black & Whites.
Monica Andrews pulled off several try-saving tags in a game where Hays focus made the difference.
Final score: Hay 24 (Tries Kayla Barrett, Emma Heywood, Wendy Gonevulavula, Kiji Vatunino, Karly Fisher. Goals Karly Fisher 2) Griffith Black & Whites 16.
Hay takes to the road next week to meet West Wyalong Malleemen at Ron Crowe Oval.
With three first grade wins under their belts West Wyalong sits just atop Hay on the ladder, but on the back of the momentum from Saturday night, the Magpies could be hard to beat.
The clubs are evenly matched in reserves and league tag, which should make for entertaining games, if Hay can field full teams for the long away game.
