SENIORS
Again the Western Magpies turned up on Saturday at Chelmer with a big challenge in front of them, to orchestrate an upset win over Morningside and record their maiden QAFL win of the season. Unfortunately the Panthers â last years runners-up â were too strong and forced the Magpies to wait another week to register four points.
The first quarter was fiercely contested; however it was the Panthers who utilised the ball more effectively. Their delivery inside forward 50 was excellent and rarely gave the Magpie defenders a chance to force a contest. The Morningside set-shot goal kicking was also very accurate meaning at quarter-time the scores read 6. 5. 41 to 1. 3. 9.
The second quarter again saw Morningside use the ball and extend their lead. The Pies continued to fight and created goal-scoring chances. Val Pope managed to boot two goals to half-time but despite his efforts the Magpies trailed by 71 points.
The second half was a much better contest and the Magpies were able to all but match Morningside with their run, intensity and hardness. Matt Skubis lifted and toiled hard all day in the ruck, Josh Barton presented tirelessly up forward and Ben Jaenke-Cain did a fine job in defence. He managed to restrict Panther full-forward Shaun Mugavin to one goal in the second half â after he had booted nine goals in the first half as the beneficiary of some great passes and brilliant team work. Jaenke-CainâÂÂs effort really made the Panthers search for a direct avenue to goal.
The Magpies were determined to run the game out and really make every contest count. They were able to push until the final siren however the Morningside skill and effectiveness never relented and proved the difference as they finished the game with some late goals and a comfortable win 31. 13. 199 to 10. 7. 67.
The Pies now face the challenge of meeting Northern Territory in Alice Springs this Saturday. The team will fly west with the belief of being able to record their first win and return with four premiership points.
Western Magpies
Goal Kickers: V. Pope 4, D. Hamill 2, K. Reed 2, M. Skubis, T. Dunn
Best Players: M. Skubis, J. Spencer, B. Jaenke-Cain, T. Dunn, B. Heffernan-Roper, J. Barton
Morningside
Goal Kickers: S. Mugavin 10, K. Abey 5, R. Holman 3, N. Kinch 2, H. Wilson 2, D. Lillico 2, A. Lucy 2, T. Upton, N. Clark, M. Logan, J. Gough, S. Faure
Best Players: D. Lillico, A. Lucy, M. Rootsey, S. Mugavin, R. Holman, P. Shelton
RESERVES
The Reserves were keen to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season last week against Aspley. They faced Morningside on Saturday hoping to maintain their place atop the QAFL ladder with another four points.
The first quarter was physical and quick in perfect conditions at Chelmer. The ball was moving from end to end at a rapid pace and was eagerly contested. Some great build-up play resulted in Scott Musson booting the Pies first goal before he followed it up with another major from the pocket minutes later. At quarter-time it was an even match with the Pies leading by just five points.
During the second term the Pies started to dominate all positions on the ground. Reid Dobson, Brett McEvoy and Will Fozard won plenty of ball in the midfield; Greg Friis and Todd Billing were great in defence and were backed up with great run from Matt Dillon, Cam Thomas and Peter Kilroy. Up forward Brandon Morris and Luke Boulton were creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities and Matt Thompson made use of them kicking three goals for the term. Five minutes of good Morningside play saw them reply with three quick goals to keep them in touch at half-time and reduce the margin to 17 points.
It was vital the Pies regained the ascendancy in the third quarter and thatâÂÂs exactly what they did. Two quick goals to start the half saw the margin increase and the Panthers intensity drop-off. Continual forward pressure and good goal-kicking all but finished the game. At three quarter-time the Pies led by 35 points and were determined to extend the margin during the final term.
Again some great midfield work and quick clearances forward gave the Pies many goal-scoring chances and kept the pressure on the Panther defence. Some excellent chasing and tackling inside forward 50 resulted in many turnovers which ended in goals. Eventually the Pies proved too strong and recorded a convincing win 17. 11. 113 to 7. 10. 52 and retain their position on top of the ladder.
This coming Saturday with the Seniors travelling to Alice Springs to face Northern Territory, the reserves will play Broadbeach away â the Cats seniors play the Brisbane Lions Reserves â and will be looking to repeat their previous effort against the Cats and register another win in a brilliant start to their QAFL season.
Western Magpies
Goal Kickers: M. Thompson 9, B. Morris 3, S. Musson 2, J. Pennycuick 2, J. Baker
Best Players: M. Thompson, G. Friis, R. Dobson, B. Morris, D. Mitchell, S. McEvoy
Morningside
Goal Kickers: B. Dawson 2, R. Lucas 2, G. Conroy, B. McGuckin, J. Bruekers
Best Players: R. Lucas, B. McGuckin, J. Brown, S. Hampson, G. Conroy, B. Dawson
Last Modified on 22/05/2009 09:14