Magpies down for the count The Yass Magpies first grade outfit has finished the 2011 season on a disappointing note, going down to the bottom placed Gungahlin Bulls 40-24 at West Belconnen Leagues Club at the weekend.
The Golf Club Magpies, who only two weeks ago were still in the hunt for a top four finish, were somewhat complacent against the Bulls and in return they ultimately paid the price. Going into the break at 10-4 down, the Magpies were more than capable of getting the two points. However, the large supporter base were left disappointed as the flying V’s hopes of finishing their 2011 campaign on a bright note were dashed, with the home side running away 40-24 victors.
Coach Mark Bell highlighted a key factor which led to his side’s defeat.
“It was a game where the result had no real bearing on how each team had fared in 2011, but at times some of the players seemed to be going through the motions.
“In saying that the game was played in high spirits and I thought we could have won, but obviously the score line indicates that we didn’t,” Bell said.
“I would like to once again thank all of the players for the season as well as all the sponsors and supporters for attending the games on a weekly basis.”
Bell nominated Tony Mclean and Brett Waters as the Magpies standouts in the loss to Bulls.
It must be said that it is a credit to not only Bell for his valuable efforts but the entire coaching staff and the committee for the Magpies turn around on and off the field in 2011. As stated previously, the first grade side was only two weeks ago staring down the barrel of a possible finals appearance, however, a number of close losses along with a large injury list didn’t do the side any favours. In saying that to come from having only won two games in first grade last year to been only five points outside the top four in the 2011 Canberra Raiders Cup is a tremendous achievement and has the Magpies moving in the right direction to be a consistent threat in the competition for seasons to come.
Club president Ken Smedley would like to thank all of the clubs sponsors and supporters for their generosity and passionate support in 2011.
“Without the support of local businesses and the dedication shown by the community in general this proud club would not survive,” Smedley said.
Smedley also made note of the club’s lower grades that will feature in this year’s final series.
“The season is not over yet for the club, we still have our under 18s and reserve grade sides in the finals. Although both sides still have a lot of hard work ahead in the coming weeks; they are a good chance of doing something special and there would be nothing better than to see a massive crowd in black and white at the games cheering them on,” Smedley said.
The under 18s finished in third and will start their finals campaign this Sunday when they take on the Tuggeranong Buffaloes in an elimination semi at Seifert Oval at 10.40am. The reserve grade side which cast aside the Bulls 42-18 to finish off the regular season, has the week off after finishing in second spot and will play Woden Rams on Sunday week.
Source: yasstribune.com.au
Topic: Magpies down for the count
