On the bright side, the players showed the Magpie spirit is alive and well, as despite the recent big defeats, the club was able to field three teams on the day, a feat some thought improbable.

With first grade coach Maurie Hulbert promising much on the bus trip if the team won against the Rebels, things looked good for the Magpies early in the game as first Richie Nui went over for a try after a good backline movement.  Luke Beaumont converted from the sideline into the wind and the Magpies led 6-0. Dominic Prasad then scooted over from dummy half, converted by Luke and the Magpies were up 12-0 after 15 minutes. The Rebels then hit back and with a glut of possession led 34-12 at the break.

The procession continued in the second half although Nathan Cooper and Jason Spillett managed to avoid an end of season run by crossing for tries. Luke converted the first and the Rebels ran out winners 72-22.

The reserve grade game was a surprise as the Magpies were always in the match and could have come away with a win with a little luck. Early in the game Ben Cross scored off a cross kick by Elijah Wilson. The Rebels hit back with two tries and led 8-4.

The Rebels scored two early tries in the second half but the Magpies were not done. Mal Jarrett was not to disappoint his fan club as he crossed for the first try of the season and this was followed by one to Joe Blair. Unfortunately, none could be converted and the Magpies trailed 18-12 before the Rebels scored again. Joe Blair then scored a clever long-range try which he did not convert. Time ran out and the Magpies went down 24-18 in an entertaining game.

In the Under 18s the Magpies were once again very competitive against the team ranked second on the ladder despite missing some of their bigger and more experienced players. Dylan Swanston and Dan Mitchell both crossed for tries in the first half with Dan Lavender converting both. At the half time break the Magpies trailed 14-12.

With the strong wind behind their backs the Rebels were always going to be hard to hold out in the second half and this proved to be so as they scored three tries, converting two to run out 30-12 winners.

This means that next week’s game against Woolgoolga at Bellingen Park is vital as the Coffs Comets defeated Woolgoolga to move within two competition points of them.

This should be an entertaining game to finish the season. Do not forget that this is the last home game and is therefore the Back To Bellingen game and you may run into someone from past years.