The Western Magpies gave up a 13 point half-time lead in disappointing second half display when they went missing to allow Wilston Grange to take control and go on to a 33 point victory at Chelmer on Saturday. Grange kicked 10 second half goals to the magpies 4 goals.
The loss was a crucial one in the context of a 4-way fight for fifth place on the ladder as the Pies drop to 8th place but still only one match and percentage outside the top five.
The Magpies had wrested control of the match in the second quarter after a tough and even opening stanza and seemed to have the momentum going into half time.
However in the third quarter it was the visiting Gorillas who started to win the midfield contests as the Pies again lost concentration and composure to allow their opponents to boot 4 unanswered goals in an 8 minute period straight after half time to give them the lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the match.
It was the same old story for the Magpies--able to match opponents for a half or so before lapses in concentration, poor handling and disposal and taking wrong options invite opponents back into the contest. Too many marks were dropped and fumbles proved costly in the turnovers.
Dom Beer was competitive at centre bounces but too often the ball was not cleared by the Magpies. Hayden Thick was strong at fullback and received good support from back flanker Sean Mewing. Skipper Lachlan Woods worked hard at the contest and around the ground but did let himself down with some poor options in disposal, the consistent Ben Jaenke-Cain was also a busy player around ground, young winger Aaron Yusia-Maricic was again lively and other youngsters Brady Allen and Luke Mitchell worked hard in the back half to try to keep the Gorillas at bay.
The Magpies face another danger game when they meet Sandgate this coming weekend. The match is scheduled for Sunday at Sandgate.
Last Modified on 23/06/2014 18:30