Picton Magpies Take Out B.J. Pendergast Memorial Shield                                       6-5-08

The Picton Magpies reserve grade side took out the annual B.J. Pendergast Memorial Shield for 2008 last Sunday at Victoria Park with a hard fought 28 points to 16 win over the Thirlmere Roosters.

The B.J. Pendergast Memorial Shield is held in the honour of B.J. Pendergast who at the age of 22 had his life cut short in an industrial accident in March of last year, and this memorial shield match was set up between the Picton and Thirlmere reserve grade teams, whom of which B.J. played for both clubs throughout his junior and senior playing days.

With the inaugural B.J. Pendergast Memorial Shield being a 12 all draw last year, the shield was shared between both Thirlmere and Picton clubs, but this year’s match was yet another entertaining game in what turned out to be a see-sawing battle. In the end the Magpies managed to come home with a wet sail and seal victory with a quick succession of tries in the last 20 minutes of the match.

In the opening 15 minutes of the match it was a torrid battle between the two sides and a try to prop Rob McNaughton saw the Roosters post first points at the 15 minute mark. Two back-to-back tries, from backs Jarred DeBritt and Brett Reilly, gave the Magpies a 10 point to 4 lead at the 30 minute mark and that was the lead they took with them into the half-time break.

Early in the second half the Roosters hit back with a try to winger Craig Wilson and that locked the scores up at 10 all, and then three minutes later centre Mark Salverteri crossed for a try and that gave the Roosters a 16 point to 10 lead.

For remainder of the second half the Magpies dominated in attack, despite the Roosters missing out on a few opportunities to extend their lead, and with tries to interchange players Rhys Cochran, Blake Manousso and Justin Cockeris that gave them a 28 point to 16 win over the Roosters.

Geoff Pendergast, the father of B.J., summed up the game at the post match presentation of the shield to the Magpies team by saying: “This was the type of match B.J. would have loved to have played in.”

In the Under 18 A’s the Magpies took a comprehensive victory over the Roosters 56 to 18 with Magpie centres in Kyal Kennedy and Brent Bargallie staring with multiple tries each and it was Kennedy that was voted as the players player of the match.

Magpies coach Darren Jones said it was a fantastic win for the boys as they continue their undefeated season, but there is still plenty of room for improvement for the defending premiers.

“Discipline is the main area that we need to work on as there were a few occasions where we gave away silly penalties to the Roosters team and because of that reason it led to tries,” said Jones.

“Coming up against sides like Mt. Annan and Moss Vale you simply can’t afford to do that, and that is something we need to address, especially with next week’s game up against Moss Vale, as it’s going to be a tough encounter where silly penalties will hurt us.”

The match of round between the Magpies and Roosters in first grade turned out to be a huge win for the Roosters with 46 points to 18 thrashing of the Magpies.

A try to half back Will Dreves in the opening minutes gave the Magpies the best possible start as they dominated the opening minutes of the local derby. From there it all went the Roosters way and at the half-time break the Roosters held down a 20 to 6 lead.

The dominance of the Roosters continued into the second half with two more tries, one to former Magpie player Shane Wooden, and that gave them a 30 to 6 lead. At the 58th minute Matt Carlyon was sin binned for the Roosters due to back chat and in his absence that allowed the Magpies to score their second try of the match when prop Daniel Bacon crashed over.

Despite being down to 12 players, the Roosters managed to score another two tries and that gave them a commanding 40 to 12 points lead. A try to ex Rooster Justin Miller brought to the score to 40 - 18, before a late try in the closing minutes to the Roosters brought the full-time score at 46 to 18.

At the Mittagong Sportsground the Under 18 B’s took on the Mittagong Lions and the Magpies were defeated 38 points to 12.

Next Sunday’s games see the Magpies take on the Moss Vale Dragons at Victoria Park in first grade, reserve grade, and Under 18 A’s. The Under 18 B’s have a bye for this round.

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

-ENDS RELEASE-

Picton Magpies media enquiries Daniel Powell – Redline Media

Phone: 0246 832 287

Mobile: 0432 126 210

Email: daniel@redlinemedia.com.au

Website: www.redlinemedia.com.au