Lidcombe Oval, Lidcombe, Sydney Australia
The Western Suburbs Magpies have powered their way to the top of the New South Wales Rugby League Ron Massey Cup competition table after a solid win against the Auburn Warriors at Lidcombe Oval 26-18. The Round 14 win was all the more impressive as the game was played in wet, gusty conditions which only worsened during the game.
It was clear from the start, that the Wests Magpies were not going to easily get the 2 points on offer against the home team. The Auburn Warriors line-up featured some big bodied players in Hala Akauola, Ben Dakuwaqa, Will Solway and the nuggety Addison Demetriou. This combination of bulk, muscle and speed was immediately applied to the Magpies defense. The Warriors were first on the board with a try under the posts by Lindon McGrady, with the extras taken by Brendan Cox. 6-0 in favour of the home side. The early try had extra value as it was scored against a roaring breeze and any points scored at this end were gold.
The Wests Magpies defense worked hard early against a barrage of Auburn runs. Photo: Jodie Newell
The Wests side continued to face a Warriors onslaught but were steady in defense. Magpie skipper and full back Shannon Gallant was reading the plays like a gridiron middle linebacker, yelling out to his fellow defenders on which holes to plug. Their steely resolve stopped a couple of Auburn sorties forward. Brendan Waters, Tala Mapesone and their fellow team mates worked hard to stop the Warriors attack.
Gallant in particular closed down two scorching line breaks with a couple of fierce, fearless tackles,throwing his arms around a running target and using all his strength to drag his opponent down. The stocky, bearded, tough full back is playing some quality rugby league at present. Gallant is the current leading scorer in the Ron Massey Cup. Throw in his defensive skills and leadership and they are some of the key reasons why Wests are a much improved rugby league side this season.
Wests Magpies full back Shannon Gallant (with ball) His on-field leadership was outstanding Photo: Jodie Newell
After the hard defensive work, Wests first try came midway through the first half, with Daniel Rakvin on the end of a superb offload from Brendan Waters. Rakvin slammed the ball down into the wet Lidcombe Oval turf for the Magpies first try. Gallant scored the extras and the game was tied at 6-6.
Wests Magpies half-back Brendan Waters in full flight. Photo: Jodie Newell
To the Warriors credit they continued to keep their pace up against a solid breeze. Due to the wet and windy conditions, it was obvious handling errors were going to be a big factor of the game. Ball security was vital. Auburn were able to make use of handling errors and were quickly in front on the scoreboard again. This time Jake Kamire was able to find a passage right under the posts and the gimme extras were easily slotted. The Warriors had back the lead and went into the sheds a try up 12-6.
The second half narrative for the West Magpies could best be compared to a slow rolling train, gradually gaining momentum and then getting to top pace. The Magpies attack just continued to roll through the Auburn defense with patient use of the ball, with slick passing to running players. Scoreboard pressure was soon to follow with a skillful put down by Jerome Mose. With the try scored in the corner area. Shannon Gallant’s 2-pt conversion attempt was next to impossible with a gusty, unpredictable breeze giving the ball no chance of safely passing through the uprights. Auburn still had a slender lead that would not last for long. 12-10.
Jerome Mose had an outstanding game scoring two vital second-half tries. Photo: Jodie Newell
Jerome Mose would soon have a deuce of tries when he scored again in spectacular fashion. After a high, swirling fifth tackle kick by Brendan Waters, Mose was able to mark the ball and plant the ball down. Again due to the strong breeze, Gallant was unable to score the extras. Importantly Wests had the lead 14-12.
More points for Wests would immediately follow after the restart when Thomas Capper surged through the Auburn D and The Magpies now had the score at 18-12.
With the missed extras, it kept the Auburn side within reaching distance. With nothing to lose, the Warriors lifted their defensive physicality, but Wests were able to counter this with some solid forward play and hard hitting runs. There were many a hit up that were bone crunching and the sound and impact could clearly be heard and felt from the sidelines.
Despite being sidelined Tom Morrison (left) and Dayne Craig played their part in relaying messages to the bench on Saturday. Photo: Jodie Newell
Special mention must go to Wests Josh Davis who made several scything runs through Auburn’s defense and gave his team excellent field position. My understanding is the lad has just returned from France. He was extremely impressive and will provide a headache for other sides during the run to the finals.
Brendan Waters continued his fine ball supply for the game when he off-loaded to Heheako Tuima who scored near the posts. This time Gallant was able to gain the extras and the game was the Magpies if they wanted it. 24-12.
Auburn refused to go away quietly and soon had a try via Ben Dakuwaqa. The extras were taken and the game was alive at 24-18
As mentioned the Auburn boys were physical in their tackles and tested the Wests resolve. A couple of “spot fires” broke out in the form of pushing and shoving. To Wests credit during this heated period, they kept their cool. Jerome Mose deserves special mention for the self control he exerted after receiving a nasty bump in play. Mose didn’t back down and whilst he let his opponents know he wasn’t going to be pushed around, he kept a level head. Thanks to the focus, Wests were awarded a penalty and it was a great example of not giving away any advantage due to silly, hot-headed penalties. Referee in Phillip Sung and touch judges Jo West and Tim Robinson also deserve credit for their efforts in calming down what could have been an explosive situation.
Despite the pushing, Jerome Mose was able to keep his cool and received a penalty after a crude tackle Photo: Jodie Newell
In the clutch play of the game, Wests were awarded a penalty close to the posts with around five minutes of the game remaining. It was a calculated gamble by both coach Nathan Waters and Shannon Gallant. The angle and distance weren’t going to be easy due to the tricky breeze. Importantly time would be taken off-the clock, if successful it would make the game a two-score situation and the ball would be returned to Wests despite the miss. Auburn could’ve have gone for a trick play given the opportunity of a failed kick and might’ve been able to regain possession. However, with the ball teetering on the kicking tee due to the gusting wind, Gallant stared at the ball, took his time, strode in with resolve and made a superb clutch kick that iced the game for Wests. 26-18 is how the match ended. It was an entertaining, tough, physical encounter that one would expect on a cold winter’s day of rugby league.
It was a team effort by all in the Wests Magpies side and they deservedly sit at present, on top of the Ron Massey Cup standings. They overtook Wentworthville due to their game being postponed caused by the weekend’s severe weather. Wests will remain there for a little while longer as they head into a bye week. It gives the team’s injured players such as Tom Morrison (broken hand) and Dayne Craig (ankle) a chance to recuperate.
It’s very clear the West Magpies team are the real deal this season. They have built a solid team structure under the guise of coach Nathan Waters, with Shannon Gallant through his tough and solid leadership has set the bar for his teammates to follow and they are buying in big league.
Wests Magpies (9-2) next game is on Sunday June 19 @ 3:30 PM against Windsor Wolves (3-7) at the Windsor Sporting Complex
In other good news for the Magpies, the Sydney Shield team had a close, but excellent win against Auburn 17-16. Roman Ioelu slotted home a last minute field goal to give the under-manned Magpies side a dramatic win. The Sydney Shield Wests Magpies (6-5) team currently sit 7th on the competition table.
Western Suburbs Magpies 26
Tries: Jerome Mose 2, Daniel Rakvin, Thomas Capper, Heheako Tuima
Goals: Shannon Gallant 3
Auburn Warriors 18
Tries: Lindon McGrady, Jake Kamire, Ben Dakuwaqa
Goals: Brendan Cox 2,Addison Demetriou 1.
Teams:
Western Suburbs Magpies:
1 Shannon Gallant
2 Jerome Mose
3 Tala Mapesone
20 Josh Davis
18 Thomas Capper
24 Blake Cavallaro
7 Brendan Waters
16 James Mirceski
9 Luke Williams
10 Jim Laulilii
11 David Harris
13 Daniel Rakvin
21 Hala Masila
8 Andy Fiagatusa
14 Paul Roberts
15 Kurt Atkinson
23 Heheako Tuima
Auburn Warriors:
1 Lindon McGrady
2 Ben Dakuwaqa
3 Nesi Mataitonga
20 Danny Barakat
5 Abraham El Zakhem
6 Matt Halalilo
7 Brendan Cox
8 Brendan Luamanu
9 Jamie Clark
10 Will Solway
11 Elias Sukkar
12 Junior Tia Kilifi
13 Will Mitchell
4 Addison Demetriou
16 Hala Akauola
17 Jake Kamire
25 Richard Coorey
Referee : Philip Sung
Touch Judges: Jo West, Tim Robinson
Venue: Lidcombe Oval
