On Friday night the Western Magpies U/21, 4. 8. 32 defeated the visiting Western Taipans U/18 regional team, 2. 7. 19 as part of the Taipans preparation for the State Championships next month in what is now the annual Russell Green and Family Memorial Trophy. The match was well supported with around 300 spectators witnessing what started as a scrappy affair until the match opened up to more free flowing football in the second half. A combination of slightly heavy conditions due to the afternoon storm and February skill errors in the first serious hit out from both teams meant it was tough and hard fought contested footy for most of the evening.
The slightly older and stronger Magpies were better suited to the congested conditions and were able to have more shots on goal in the first quarter and finished with 2. 2. 14 following a great mark by Scott Musson in the goal square which kicked by Kale Reed following Musson injuring an ankle on landing and leaving the ground for the remainder of the match. The Taipans were more than competitive but their delivery in to their forward line was poor and often found Magpie defenders in best position however Curt Senstock was able to kick a major for the Taipans.
The Magpies, dominated the second term but kicked poorly only registering 5 behinds while the Taipans kicked a goal through Lachlan Fraser to make the best of limited opportunities. In the second half the game began to open up through the midfield with Magpies Captain Richard Wenham beginning to dominate and Ben Heffernan-Roper working hard. Despite the better flow through the midfield the defenses of both teams stood up well with new Magpie recruit Matt Dillon showing plenty. Kale Reed kicked two goals for the Magpies and Matt Green was a fine contributor in a match that was named in the honor of his late father.
Score: Western Magpies 4.8.32 def Western Taipans 2.7.19
Goals: Western Magpies: Kale Reed 2, Matt Green and Matt Bennison 1.
Western Taipans: Curt Senstock and Lachlan Fraser 1.
Best: Western Magpies: Richard Wenham, Matt Dillon, Ben Heffernan-Roper and Matt Green
Western Taipans: Scott Clarke, Fraser Nicholson-Blisner, Callum Carseldine and Zane Pringle.
Last Modified on 23/02/2009 16:55