Picton Magpies Kick off 2008 Group 6 Season in Winning Fashion                               15-4-08

There was no better way for the Picton Magpies to begin their 2008 campaign in the 1st Grade Group 6 competition than with a confidence boosting victory over the Narellan Jets at the Narellan Sportsground last Sunday (April 13).

In what was their first victory of the 2008 season the Magpies, minus the experience of Matt McPherson and also new recruit Clayton Parkin, scored a 32 points to 16 victory over the 2004 premiers.

At the half-time break the Magpies held a commanding 18 points to 4 lead, but shortly after the Magpies scored just after half time, the Narellan side hit back with two quick tries. The Magpies scored mid way through the second half to make the score 32 points to 16.

Although pleased with a victory to start the season proper, coach Noel Woods believes there is still plenty of improvement to come from his side, as he felt that there were a number of cheap turn over’s of possession throughout the match.

“We have a number of new players in our side this year and they are all still working on their combinations, and I felt that everyone played strongly, it was just there were a lot of passes that were rushed and simply weren’t on, and that resulted in cheap turn over to the opposition,” explained Woods.

“There is plenty of potential with our side, and we are going to spend this week working more on our combinations, and if we can get on top of that then we should be in for a successful year.”

In reserve grade the magpies scored a solid 52 points to 12 win over the Appin Bulldogs at Wonson Oval in Appin, while in the Under 18’s A started the season in winning fashion too with a 32 points to 10 defeat of Narellan and the Under 18’s B suffered a 50 points to 0 smashing at the hands of the Robertson Spuds at the Robertson Showground.  

Next Sunday’s (April 20) clash with the Oakdale Workers at the Sid Sharpe Memorial Oval at Oakdale is certainly going to be a big test for the Magpies, especially considering that they had a strong opening round win over the Camden Rams.

“Whenever you take on Oakdale at home you are going to be in for a tough game, and they are the type of side that are very mobile and have some tough forwards, so it should be interesting to see how we shape up,” said Woods.

“If we can build on our opening round performance against Narellan, then we should be in with a good shot up against Oakdale, but I know that they are going to be a good test for our entire side as they are strong across the park.”

It is hoped that both McPherson and Parkin will return to the 1st Grade side this Sunday from injury and they are going to certainly bolster the chances of the Magpies up against the Workers if they are to play.

Reserve grade this Sunday takes on the Oakdale Workers at the Sid Sharpe Memorial Oval, and in the Under 18’s the A’s come up against the Mount Annan Knights at the Jack Nash Oval and the B’s face the Narellan Jets at the Narellan Sportsground.

To find out more about the Picton Magpies visit their official website: www.pictonmagpies.com.au  

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