SENIORS
After suffering at the hands of Southport in round five, the Magpies were fired-up to record their first win of the QAFL season. In front of a big home crowd the Pies were going to concede nothing to fellow new comers Aspley.
The first quarter started with the Hornets racing to a four goal lead. The Magpies midfield were finding plenty of footy, however their finishing in front of goal and some missed opportunities going forward really hurt the Pies. At the first break the Pies were down by 25 points and in need of some quick goals to open the second quarter.
As the second quarter went on the midfield led by Ben Heffernan-Roper, Chris Judson and Richard Wenham took control and capitalised on their superior fitness. The quarter was a real tussle and went back and forward at a fast pace. Some crowd frustrations were directed towards the umpires who never seemed to be out of the action. At half-time the margin had remained the same however the Magpies belief that they could run over the top of Aspley had strengthened.
The third term saw much of the ball in the Magpies hands, however the Aspley defence stood firm to restrict the damage. Val Pope was dangerous up forward as were the three marking targets. Josh Barton, David Hamill and Luke Scott proved hard work for the HornetâÃÂÃÂs with their ability to constantly present and provide an option. At three quarter-time the Pies had a big job ahead of them to overturn a 19 point deficit.
Their commitment was evident as they continued to pressure, tackle and run. The defence was solid led by Ed McDonnell and Tom Roberts, whilst Matt Skubis played a great game, consisting of strong defence and attacking runs to create goal scoring opportunities. Three quick goals midway through the last term saw the margin reduced to just 12 points. The momentum was with the locals and they followed it up with another two goals to level the scores. With the ball moving quickly and the pressure on every player, the Hornets managed to find a way forward and kick a goal to take the lead. With time running out the Magpies tried to reply however the clock beat them and they fell short of pulling off a great come-from-behind win. The final scores read 17. 9. 111 to 18. 10. 118.
Todd Dunn was excellent in his return to the senior side with a great tagging job on former Brisbane Lion Robbie Copeland. The Pies fought hard and really made the Hornets earn their first win. They will now turn their attentions to playing last yearâÃÂÃÂs runners-up Morningside, who they meet at home this Saturday at 2pm.
Western Magpies
Goal Kickers: V. Pope 4, D. Hamill 3, L. Scott 2, J. Parkes 2, T. Power, J. Barton, T. McEvoy, M. Stevens, B. Heffernan-Roper, G. Friis
Best Players: C. Judson, R. Wenham, B. Jaenke-Cain, B. Heffernan-Roper, E. McDonnell, T. Dunn
Aspley
Goal Kickers: A. Williams 5, L. Matthews 3, R. Copeland 2, D. Campbell 2, G. McIvor 2, B. Evans 2, M. Argus, D. Fry
Best Players: M. Argus, M. Davis, S. Tapp, A. Williams, L. Matthews, M. Schultz
RESERVES
The reserves were again keen to stretch their unbeaten run in a top-of-the-table clash against Aspley on Saturday, however fell agonisingly short to lose by two points.
The Pies struggled to find their rhythm and were flat for the opening 10 minutes. Eventually the run started and by quarter-time the Pies had booted five goals to take a 13 point lead into the first break.
The second quarter was poor. The Pies allowed their opponents to play in front and really struggled to get first hands on the ball. A few late Magpie goals and some inaccurate Aspley kicking meant that at half-time the margin was only one goal, however signified the match was up for the taking.
The third term saw a completely different team emerge from the rooms. The Pies returned to their attacking game by carrying the ball and using their skills. A four goal quarter was set-up by Peter Kilroy off half-back, Matt Bennison at half-forward, and midfielders Jye Spencer and Reid Dobson. The Pies had turned the match their way and led by 10 points at three quarter-time.
To AspleyâÃÂÃÂs credit they never gave in and continued to pressure the Magpies all over the ground. Their midfield and forward line lifted and kicked two crucial goals to take the lead with 10 minutes left to play. The Pies hit back straight away through Jay Baker. Aspley then took the ball forward and held it in their half. They managed to kick a few points with limited time remaining and get over the line to inflict the Pies first defeat of the season. The final scores read 15. 6. 96 to 13. 20. 98.
The inaccuracy of Aspley almost cost them, however they found a way to take the four points. The Pies first slip-up of the season will result in a determined reserves outfit this weekend when they attempt to get back on the winners list against Morningside at home. Come down and support the boys at 11:15am.
Western Magpies
Goal Kickers: M. Thompson 3, j. Baker 3, M. Bennison 3, R. Dobson, W. Fozard, S. Matthews, B. Morris, J. Spencer, L. Boulton
Best Players: P. Kilroy, B. McClennan, J. Spencer, M. Bennison, R. Dobson, L. Boulton
Aspley
Goal Kickers: S. Rogerson 3, M. Richardson 2, M. Nickerson 2, P. Medveczky 2, A. Hughes 2, J. Walker, T. Aarons
Best Players: A. Green, S. Rogerson, M. Nickerson, S. Waters, D. Reid, J. W
Last Modified on 15/05/2009 09:21