On Sunday, Western Suburbs Magpies took on the New Zealand Warriors from Lidcombe to Pukekohe. During the week, we celebrated our New Zealand connection with this feature piece discussing the history between Wests and New Zealand rugby league more broadly. Read on below for match reports and browse our photo gallery courtesy of Shot of Guac Photography.
Round 5 - NSW Knock-on Effect Cup @ Lidcombe Oval
Your Victa KOE Cup Magpies went into the weekend in need of a win after two straight losses, and were faced with the challenge of a travelling New Zealand Warriors side sitting equal at the top of the table. In wet conditions at our home of Lidcombe Oval, the Magpies struck first when a Will Smith grubber was pounced on by centre Triston Reilly in the opening minutes. Will Smith's short kicking game proved to be deadly for the Magpies, scooting out of dummy half to set up second rower Brandon Mansfield with another grubber. This was just minutes before hooker Rua Ngatikaura sold a dummy on the line to three Warriors defenders to cross for our third. The game was characterised by a determined Magpies defense and a pack mentality that had us grind out the Warriors with repeat sets, frustrating their attack in slippery conditions. The Warriors rallied with a try down the right wing, but Will Smith's short range chip kick to Israel Ogden sealed the win, and brought the Wests Magpies even with the Warriors on the KOE Cup ladder in sixth place.
Next week, the Magpies play as the curtain-raiser to NRL Wests Tigers match at Accor Stadium on Easter Monday. Taking on the eighth place Eels, we'll be aiming to keep up the momentum of another win to go four and two after the sixth round.
Round 9 - Junior Reps: SG Ball @ Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
West Magpies SG Ball squad travelled to New Zealand to close out their season, needing to win on the day to leap into the Top Six. With the importance of the game not lost on them, the Magpies picked the Warriors apart across the field. Crafty work by hooker Tallyn Da Silva and halves pairing Luke Keppie and Lachlan Galvie tormented the Warriors defence, closing out the game eight tries to two in a dominant performance. They now go through to the finals series with games to be played on Saturday April 15th.
Meanwhile, our Harold-Matthews side had the bye in the final week of the junior representative season, and unfortunately hadn't picked up enough wins to make it through to the finals in 2023, sitting with four wins and four losses to close out the season. We congratulate the boys on a big rep season and wish them all the best of luck going back to their club sides for the rest of the year.
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Be sure to head out and support the Magpies at Accor this weekend, and SG Ball the weekend after, and if you haven't already, sign up as a Magpies Member to show your support for our great rugby league club!
