Magpies Draw with Group 6 Competition Leaders                                                     18-6-08

The Picton Magpies should count themselves unlucky not to have been the first team to defeat the Thirlmere Roosters in the 2008 Group 6 First Grade competition when they played out a 22 all draw last Sunday at Thirlmere Sportsground.

In what was regarded as one of the best performances from them so far this year, the Magpies can take a lot of confidence from their draw with a Roosters side that is stacked with imports, many of whom have played at an NRL level.

Magpies coach Noel Wood, a former Thirlmere Roosters premiership winning coach, said his team played out a good game plan to shut down the dominant Roosters, and it worked wonders.

Within the opening 20 minutes of the match the Magpies suffered two blows when Rooster recruits in Justin Miller and Nathan Sutton were unable to partake in the remainder of the game due to sustaining injuries.

Magpies Under 18 A’s players, Alex Peters and Bryce Hoskins, were able to step up to the plate and fill the void of both Miller and Sutton with much class and that was just one of the many things that impressed coach Wood.

“The boys played well and to be honest they were unlucky not to win,” Wood commented.

“So far this year the Roosters have been almost untouchable and we showed that with a good game plan, they can be beaten.

“Our boys can take a lot of confidence from this performance, and we can continue to work towards working our way up the premiership ladder.”

Although everyone in the Magpies side played well, the stand outs were Matt Brinkworth, Darren Nolan, Heath Browne, and Clayton Parkin. Parkin was making his debut for the Magpies in the Group 6 competition up against his former club after he was sidelined in the first trial game of the season with injury.

In reserve grade the Magpies were defeated by the Roosters 26 points to 18 and they certainly missed numerous opportunities to take the lead in the closing stages of the match.

The Under 18 A’s comfortably defeated the Roosters 30 points to 12, while the Under 18 B’s were outclassed by competition leaders Robertson Spuds 44 points to 6.

 This Sunday’s (June 22) games see the Magpies take on the Moss Vale Dragons at their home ground Community Oval in first grade, reserve grade, and Under 18 A’s, while the Under 18 B’s take on the Narellan Jets at Wonson Oval in Appin.

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