The pitch at Campbelltown Sports Stadium held up beautifully despite the heavy
rain in recent weeks. Two senior games were scheduled for the day, the first
being Wests Tigers Toyota NYC 20’s against the Roosters which was followed by
Wests Magpies vs. Central Coast Centurions. Unfortunately, Wests Tigers went
down 30 points to 10 in an entertaining game of rugby league.
The Magpies, who are sitting at the wrong end of the competition ladder were
up against an inform Central Coast outfit who are equal 6th with Balmain Ryde
Eastwood Tigers and North Sydney.
The game got underway and it wasn’t long before the Magpies showed they
were up for the challenge. Strong forward play with solid defense was the
highlight of the early encounters.
In the 15th minute, after putting together several determined runs, the ball was
moved to outside back Kevin Naiqama who evaded the cover defense to score
in the corner. The attempted goal flew wide but the visitors still held an early 4
points to 0 lead.
In the 20th minute the Magpies hit back through centre three quarter Andrew
Everingham. After the forwards advanced down the centre of the paddock, the
ball was swung wide to Everingham who showed good pace and strength to
force his way over the try line. Prop forward David Fifita accepted the extra two
points giving the Magpies the lead 6 points to 4.
Within minutes, Fifita’s front row partner Aaron Sweeney barged over the line to
increase his teams lead. He looked like he was going to be stopped short of the
line, but he stretched his arm out to firmly plant the ball on the grass surface.
Fifita’s conversion saw the lead extend to 12 points to 4.
Play steadied over the next stanza, but with the Magpies having an excellent
completion rate, it seemed likely they would soon add to their early points tally
and that’s what they did in the 36th minute. With their forwards doing the
hard yards it gave the backs a chance to shine. Centre three quarter Taqele
Naiyaravoro received a clever pass after he followed hooker Troy O’Sullivan who
had broken the first line of defense. Showing a good turn of speed for a big
man, Naiyaravoro claimed a try of his own. Fullback Rhys Lenarduzzi took over
the kicking duties and he did not let his team down. Wests Magpies 18 Central
Coast 4. There were no further points scored in the first half.
During the break, head coach Leo Epifania emphasised the need to maintain
their good completion rate, be patient and stick to the game play. He stated if
they followed these simple instructions, they could get away with the win.
With fifteen minutes gone on the clock Fifita, standing wide of the ruck, collected
the ball at pace before carrying players over the try line with him. His conversion
put the home team further ahead. Wests Magpies 24 Central Coast 4.
Utility Josh Davis then made his way onto the field from the interchange
bench. He received warm applause for making his return to the paddock after
recovering from a nagging injury. Within minutes he sprinted to the line after
prop forward Jay Maseuli had made a damaging 25 metre. The conversion
attempt gave the Magpies a handy 30 points to 4 lead.
In the 22nd minute, Fifita was in for his second try. He again positioned himself
outside the halves. He received a flat pass from five eight Marc Russell, who had
held up the ball perfectly which allowed Fifita to score under the black dot. He
converted his own try which put the Magpies ahead 36 points to 4.
The next try came three minutes later when centre three quarter Andrew
Everingham scored again. The backs, capping off a fine all round performance,
quickly spun the ball to Everingham. He threw a dump pass before straightening
to score alongside the posts. A great backs try. Fifita’s conversion took his
teams tally to 42 points to 4.
Not to be outdone by his mates on the opposite side of the field, wing three
quarter Amanono Tovio darted from the ruck before running hard down the
side line. At the end of a 60 metre run, he grapped his teams last four pointer.
Fifita’s kick was unsuccessful. Magpies 46 Central Coast 4.
In the dying minutes of the game, Dan Phillips scored a good try for the boys
from the Coast. Fullback Peter Mata’utia successful would bring an end to the
game. Wests Magpies ran out worthy winners 44 points to 10.
Scorers for the Magpies – 2 tries each to Andrew Everingham and David
Fifita with tries to Josh Davis, Amanono Tovio, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Aaron
Sweeney. David Fifita kicked 6 conversions (personal tally 20 points) with Rhys
Lenarduzzi claiming one.
Scorers for Central Coast – Tries to Kevin Naiqama and Dan Phillips with
Peter Mata’utia grabbing one conversion.
Player’s player – Mitch Achurch. Leos best three – Mitch Achurch, Marc
Russell and Amanono Tovio.
Next game – Round 21 The Crest Stadium 3pm Saturday 30 July 2011 Wests
Magpies vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
No comments:
Post a Comment