Yass Magpies tune-up for 2012The Yass Magpies Canberra Raiders Cup first grade side will commence training in earnest in the coming weeks as preparation starts for the 2012 season. 
The Magpies’ hooker Dave Barrie was a fundamental component of the 2011 first grade side. The Pies’ first grade side will be looking to improve on its less than impressive performance last year. Photo: RS Williams.Coach Mark Bell has set an off-season training program to keep his players’ fitness up during summer.
Although the side had some highlights during the 2011 season, it was a disappointing finish for them in seventh place. With six wins, nine losses and a draw for the year, they managed a creditable 364 points in their favour but their defence allowed 456 points in.
Indeed, it is a tall order to expect a small community like Yass to compete and actually win the competition given the sheer size of the opposition population.
By contrast the Magpies reserve grade side had a very successful year as they finished in second spot behind the Woden Valley Rams, with 12 wins and only four losses. The reggies were ultimately defeated in the grand final by the Rams.
Outstanding members of the reggies squad were Matt Cooke, who was the reserve grade best and fairest player last season, and full back Craig Irwin, who was the reserve grade leading point scorer in 2011.
“The Magpies senior grade is looking forward to a better season in 2012 and will hopefully move up a few places on the ladder,” remarked Magpies president Greg Smith. “Ideally we should make it into the semi-finals at the season end.”
Smith also indicated that the club was expecting to sign a couple of promising players from the George Tooke Shield club the Boomanulla Raiders and an additional kiwi player. With the bulk of the 2011 playing roster returning for the new season, expectations are high for 2012.
There will be none more important than back rower Brett Waters and Magpies hooker David Barrie, the pair were both pivotal to the wins enjoyed by Yass during 2011.
The Magpies first trial match is planned for February and will see them face off against the Group 9 Gundagai Tigers.
Season 2012The Canberra Raiders Cup and George Tooke Shield competitions both begin the weekend of April 14 and 15.
A general bye is scheduled for all grades on June 9 and 10, and again on June 30 and July 1.
The grand finals are scheduled for the weekend of September 22 and 23.
Source: Yass Tribune
Topic: Magpies tune-up for 2012
