Magpies collect no points in Grafton

What seemed improbable a month back was overcome when the Magpies were able to get three teams on the paddock.

Unfortunately, whilst competitive, all teams were defeated and had to face the long road trip home with their tails between their legs.

In first grade things looked very promising in the first half as the Magpie big boys Callan Tapine, Bill Tukana and Mala Tuiloa were able to make a lot of ground through the Rebels.

The Rebels’ centre Chris Carr broke through and with the line wide open, luckily for the visitors, he dropped the ball.

From then on it was all the Magpies.

At the third minute Mala barged over for an easy Luke Beaumont conversion.

Six minutes later TJ flew through the air to take a clever cross field kick and put it down out wide to make the score 100 in favour of the Magpies.

Luke Beaumont then kicked a penalty goal to take the Magpies to a 12-0 lead.

Blake O’Connor then had the chance to put the Magpies even further ahead but dropped the ball over the line.

However, things soon turned around and the Rebels’ halves Roy Bell and Hughie Stanley took control and scored two quick tries to take the score to 12-12 at half time.

Things got worse in the second half as the Rebels ran roughshod over the Magpies to win 56-12.In reserves the Magpies showed promise of better things to come further down the track but the combinations are not working as yet.

For the Magpies, Greg Chaseling scored a good team try but the Rebels ran out winners 46-6.

The under-18s were up against last year’s premiers and were always going to find it tough first up, with a majority of players new to rugby league in their ranks.

This is certainly a team that will improve as the season goes on and they get their full squad on the field.

Jack Mitchell scored and converted their only try with the Rebels winning 62-6.

Next week the Magpies are at home on Sunday against the Orara Valley Axemen in reserves and firsts, starting at 1pm.