Magpies LT crush Hawks
Kassie Downie performed superlatively all game. She scored the final try of the game, which she also converted, with Zoe McRae in support.
Photo: Krista Schade.
The league tag side enjoyed a solid victory over the Hawks in the first match of the day. The side has welcomed junior players Karley Fisher and Larissa Sorensen into the senior squad and both handled the pressure of the senior competition with ease.
Hay started well, scoring games first points, off the back of a break by Jessie Carter.
Hay worked the ball left into the hands of Cheyenne Hurst, who scored the Magpies first points for the season. The inclusion of Hannah Stewart in the side added speed and Zoe McRae’s defensive efforts were impressive.
Carter scored Hay’s next two tries as Hay dominated possession, forcing errors and pressuring the Hawks.
Fresh from maternity leave, Tahnee Wagstaff crossed for Hay’s fourth try before the halftime break. After keeping the Hawks scoreless in the first half, Yanco hits back after the restart, crossing twice.
The rainy conditions caused some handling errors for the Hawks and Hay capitalised on the field position, allowing new recruit Hannah Stewart to cross for the Magpies. Kassie Downie added the vital conversion points in an outstanding performance. Downie made many strong runs, and tagged with accuracy, playing a tough physical style that had the Hawks back peddling.
She was rewarded with the final try of the game, which she also converted.
The league tag squad has worked hard in preseason and it showed on the field, and co-coach Jessie Carter was pleased with the result.
“My best players were Hannah Stewart and Kassie Downie, and the defence from Zoe McRae was awesome – she topped the tags count,” Carter said. “This was a good first game and I think the girls can only improve next week against Lakes.”
Carter is unavailable for the round two match, and with co-coach Luci Lugsdin on maternity leave the side will be led by one of the team’s most experienced players, Lily Weymouth.
Final score: Hay 30 Yanco 10 Tries: Jessie Carter (2), Cheyenne Hurst, Tahnee Wagstaff, Hannah Stewart, Kassie Downie. Goals: Kassie Downie (2).
