The Magpies finally took a competition point after a few lean seasons when they played the Sawtell Panthers at Bellingen Park on Sunday.
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In a high scoring game the scores were locked up at 38 a-piece when the full time bell sounded, which could hardly be heard above the roar of the home side crowd.
Reserve Grade and Under 18’s were not so fortunate as they both suffered heavy defeats.
First Grade started in a familiar fashion with the Panthers scoring two early tries to lead 8-0 after twenty minutes.
Front rower and former Panther Chris Cubby crossed for the Magpies with a determined run through the middle of the Sawtell pack.
Luke Beaumont successfully converted the try for the Magpies to trail 8-6. The Magpies were then on top for a period with the final pass for a try going to ground. Sawtell converted pressure into points and led 24-6 at half time.
A revitalized Magpie team took the field after the break with Luke Beaumont crossing for two tries early on followed up by Troy Robinson and Shane Holten. Luke converted two of these and the Magpies took the lead 26-24.
The Panthers however were not taking this lying down and scored three unconverted tries of their own to lead 38-26, with seven minutes to go.
Magpie coach Troy Robinson then scored a try Luke converted and the Magpies trailed 38-32. In the last minute Doug Davis scored wide out near the corner post, Luke again converted and the Magpies drew level at 38-38 as the final bell sounded. A very exciting second half.
The Magpie Under 18’s failed to score as the Panthers ran in forty points to confirm their premiership favouritism. Mal Jarrett and Wade Davis scored for the Magpies in Reserve Grade to have them well in the game at 18-8 at half time. Sawtell however, ran away in the second half to win 40-8.
Next week the Magpies travel to Macksville in all three grades.
Edwards picked for Panthers
In other exciting news, local rugby league prodigy Dylan Edwards, who has been mentioned in many other reports over the last six months, was yesterday selected to play in the Penrith Panthers NRL team. Missing two players in their backline due to Origin duties, Dylan was elevated to the top squad after incredible form in both the U/20’s and Intrust Super Cup competitions.
This is very exciting moment for both Dylan and his family, and many patrons from around the area will eagerly watch this young man develop his game in years to come. We all hope this game will be the first of many for Dylan in the NRL, well done!