Hay Magpies roll Griffith Black & Whites in the mud

Ben Taylor was among Hay Magpies best on Sunday, running out winners against Griffith Black & Whites, at Hay Park. Image: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.

By Krista Schade

Hay Magpies first grade squad performed a well-put-together match against Griffith Black & Whites at Hay Park on Sunday.

The wet weather posed challenges for all players, and as the final game of the weekend, the first grade game was played on a muddy field.

With a finals berth on the line, both sides needed a win to stay in contention.

“We spoke about how important the game was today, and everyone did their job,” coach Chris Stewart said.

“Defensively we were great, we really controlled the run and won majority of tackles.”

Hay set the pace first, when Brad Pocock struck in the opening minutes. Soon after a well-weighted chip by Ben Taylor was followed across the line by Toby Whitehead.

The trio – Taylor, Pocock and Whitehead were outstanding all game. Ben Arandt was heavily involved in all attacking runs Hay strung together and the sustained defensive efforts of Toby Crighton and Shaun Aylett kept the visitors quiet.

“Our attack was good,” Stewart said, naming Aylett, Taylor and Pocock as his best three, alongside several other Hay players.

“Barnesy (Will Barnes) was great, as always. Harley Hey had his best game in a while, and Toby Whitehead was great as well.”

Hey was vocal throughout the game, which flowed well under the fair and consistent rulings of referee Matt Gatt.

The pressure got to Griffith early and arguments broke out amongst themselves, as the Magpies continued to deny them opportunities to score. Hugh Crighton’s scrambling defence came to the fore in keeping Hay’s line intact.

A well-weighted and brilliantly timed pass by Taylor into the arms of Rokosusu, saw Hay’s lead stretch to 18-nil at the half-time break.

Rokosusu crossed again, before a lucky bounce allowed Griffith to cross.

Black & Whites tries were scored late in the game, by Mekhi Simpson and Ratu Vuniamatana, with Matthew Adams converting a single goal.

The group will set out a general bye next weekend, before Hay travels to West Wyalong for a vital match.

“It’s a big game against West Wyalong, and a win there could give us a top five finish,” Stewart said.

From here on, Hay then meets heavyweights Waratahs (ladder leaders) and Leeton in the final games of the regular season.

Final score: Hay 24 (Tries: Anare Rokosusu, Brad Pocock, Toby Whitehead. Goals: Ben Taylor 4) defeated Black & Whites 10.

Awards: Player’s player Shaun Aylett. Coaches award Ben Taylor.

The reserve grade game was a scratch match, played out with the usual intensity, after Black & Whites were unable to field a full side.

The Magpies squad used the opportunity to practise for upcoming rounds, and set about posting a bag of points.

Ryan Gash expertly converted each of Hay’s six tries, three of which were scored by Jack Miller.

Luke William played out a blinder – he continues to improve in speed and strength as the season progresses, and Zane Gash was once again pivotal.

Winger Billy Fixter displayed speed and agility down the sideline, and John Weymouth’s defensive effort and cheeky intercept had the Hay crowd cheering.

The Hay side was still without many players, thanks to ProTen, injuries and suspension, and it will be interesting to see just how well they end the season, once back to full strength.

Coach Zac O’Neill had plenty of praise to hand out in his post game wrap-up.

“I thought we were really good in patches, and it’s good that we were able to give some blokes a run,” O’Neill said.

“Nature Karatau-te Kuru was good and Aiden Leake went well too. He just needs to run a bit harder with the ball.”

“Big Luke (William) is flying and Lloyd Schulz’s return from injury was everything you can expect from Lloydy.

“After the bye we should be back at full strength, with a 23-man squad to choose our 20-man team from.

Final score: Hay 34 (Tries: Jack Miller 3, Billy Fixter, Luke William, Zane Gash. Goals: Ryan Gash 6) defeated Black & Whites 14.

The league tag side went down to a well-drilled Griffith side. Black & Whites are always a challenge, let alone in wet conditions, and handling errors saw Hay concede a 14-point loss.

Hay’s only try was scored by Wendy Gonevulavula, who was among Hay’s best. Her speed and ability to weave around defenders gave the Magpies attacking opportunities.

To score, Gonevulavula spied a gap, and followed her own grubber kick across the line.

Noa Magliocchetti also attacked the Griffith line well, and Zoe McRae’s was relentless in defence – her efforts stopped the scoreline blowing out further, as Griffith continually probed for points.

Lily Plum also stepped up well under the pressure, defending the Hay line well.

Despite the loss, coach Jess Carter remains positive.

“Although the girls didn’t get the win, I was still impressed,” Carter said after the game.

“They halved the score from our last game against Black & Whites, when they beat us 38-6.

“We will work on some silly errors and hopefully we get another chance in finals and can turn it around completely.

“Larissa Sorenson played her best game of the season and landed players player.

“Zoe McRae played her usual defensive game but also stepped it up in attack this week too.”

Carter named McRae as her coaches award winner.

“Overall it was a great effort from everyone.

Final score: Hay 4 (Try: Wendy Gonevulavula) defeated by Black & Whites 18.