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Molong Magpies Rugby

Molong Magpies Walla – 6 August 2023 Bathurst Final

The Molong Magpies Wallas made the journey to Bathurst for the last gala day for the year. Though it was a foggy start, the conditions turned balmy for the players towards the end of the second games with some parents in shorts and t-shirts enjoying the weather and great rugby. U6 drew Emus Green and Bathurst Blue, U8 Bathurst Blue and Emus Black, U10 Bathurst Gold and Orange City.

Under 6. The under-6s played their final game of the season on Sunday with Bathurst Bulldogs hosting a foggy gala day. Our Maggie's faced off against an all-girls Orange Emus team in the first match, followed by the Bathurst Bulldogs.

In the initial game, our under-6s started strong, with Isaac Hobbs scoring a try within the first 30 seconds. Throughout the day, Isaac displayed fantastic sportsmanship, showing empathy for his teammates when they were injured and sharing the ball to ensure everyone had an equal opportunity. Well done, Isaac!

Among our junior players, Ryan Murphy, Henry Hobbs, and Maverick Barrett took some time to get into the game, enjoying lollies before the match. However, the sugar kicked in soon after, and they swiftly outpaced the opposition once again.

Quinn Butler's excellent passing skills stood out once more, contributing to Alex Barrett's surprising try. Alex is demonstrating potential as a dynamic winger who can exploit small gaps effectively.

Henry Welsh had an outstanding game and received an award for “Good Sportsmanship” from the Emus' side, along with a $5 canteen voucher. He was recognized for his act of checking on an opposing team member who fell over. Well done, Henry!

During the break, the team engaged in an intense double-length field game of soccer, leaving them quite fatigued for the second match against Bathurst Bulldogs.

With increased pressure from the Bulldogs' defence, our under-6s had limited opportunities to advance with the ball. Paddy Murphy managed to find a gap and scored a try. Paddy's strategic approach to attacking the defence line has flourished this season, and we're excited to see his progress in the under-8s next year.

Rhys Morley skilfully evaded the opposition multiple times, doing so with a smile on his face. His dynamic playstyle, along with Georgia Redfern's quick thinking and fast passing, made for an impressive season.

Henry Haynes once again demonstrated his skills, aiding the opposition and scoring several tries. His elusive running and skilled kicking make him a valuable asset for next season.

Luke Mackenzie covered a significant amount of ground and disrupted the defence once again, leaving us eager to see his performance in the under-8s next season.

Oliver Townsend showcased his side-stepping abilities, confusing the opposition and running the length of the field to score a try.

The players of the match were Hiraka (Budda) and Hugh Butler. Budda's speed and quick recovery were his main strengths, while Hugh displayed impressive stamina for a young player, making him a promising asset for the under-6s next year.

Finally, the parents and carers of our under-6s would like to thank Michelle Murphy, who wore multiple hats this season by managing the bench, coaching, and conducting Thursday training sessions. Special thanks also to Gordon Welsh for coaching, and to Mike Murphy and Peta Porter for stepping in to give Michelle and Gordo a well-deserved break.

U8. The Magpies took on Bathurst Blue in the first game and great to see numbers on the bench. With a focus on tackle technique and safety for the previous two weeks, the players were on fire in defence, making meters without the footy and effecting great turn overs. Fun was had in the sun finishing the game on top!

The weekend provided two opposite games with the second game against an inform Emus Black being a much harder grind, but again the team rose to the challenge and played some great footy. Focus was placed on passing the ball which the team rose to the challenge. Player of the Day went to Hunter Brooks for his all round drive around the paddock. Thankyou to Coach Dean for his efforts and to the families and supporters for the year and look forward to seeing you again next year

U10. Super Sunday Rugby wrapped up with 'two hearts on their sleeves' performances for the Molong U10's Magpies at the Bathurst Bulldogs home ground. It was a foggy, early start and there were plenty of fog duckers to be spotted!

Game one was a rematch from last week against Bathurst Gold. This was the third encounter against Bathurst Gold for the season and to recap on each game; game one, the Magpie's struggled to match the size and intensity from the Goldies (who were fresh from two training sessions per week and some pre-season games in Sydney...). The second encounter the Magpies were in the contest but still a little behind the pace, an improvement but we didn't quite see the Magpies reach their playing potential. The third encounter (you could forgive the Goldies for being confident) however, hold the phone, lock up the kids - the Magpies bucked out of the shoots and soon made the home team work harder than Santa on Christmas Eve. The teams went into halftime very even on the points, with the final scoreline being about evens, perhaps slightly in favour of the hosts. We are not sure what Torsten Ellis ate for breakfast that day, but he turned up in game mode and proceeded to run and tackle like a man possessed. A stellar effort from Cooper Goburg and Te Pia Pineha was noticed and commended by all spectators. Hunter Roberts was firing on all 8 cylinders and the engine room made up of Seb 'Steamroller' Mullins, Jaxon 'Buster' Townsend and Max 'Ball Ferret' Butler put in a hard day where every ruck was contested fiercely. Well done to Bathurst Gold on a great game of Rugby.

The second game was against Orange City and the U10's Magpies had an absolute ball. It was a tough game however the Magpies made sure they finished their season on a good note, with plenty of fun and good times shared on the field. The game was really a whole of team effort and the team really did rally together for an almighty performance. Te Pia Pineaha was a standout during this game, showing excellent, committed defence and super speedy, darting runs. Arlo Webb stepped up as well and showed us how much he loves his footy! Tom Salter put in a gallant effort and was almost carried from the field after a tough week of battling a lurgy. Guy Shannon put in a solid and proud performance and Bryson Elliott showed an excellent turn of pace when he pilfered the ball and ran sixty odd meters to dive over the line untouched. Hunter Roberts was awarded toughest player of the day and Torsten Ellis was player of the day. It was a really positive day of Rugby for the U10's Magpies and this fine group of mates will sorely miss grinding it out on the Rugby field together.

The U10's Magpies played with no reserve players for most of the season which was usually against other teams with between 4 and 8 reserves. The players are to be commended for this mighty effort week in and week out. The players' parents must also be commended on a fantastic season, there were virtually no games that anyone failed to turn up. As we witnessed last Sunday, the team really grew and evolved as a whole team because of this (what a cracker of a team they evolved into)! Thank you to Coach Tony for his innovative coaching drills throughout the year, all parents, players and supporters on a fantastic season for the U10's Magpies.

To recap the legendry Players of the Gala Day were:

- U6 Hugh Butler and Budda Pineaha

- U8 Hunter Brooks

- U10 Torsten Ellis with Hunter Roberts ‘Toughest Player”

Thankyou again to Bathurst for hosting the day. The club’s season presentation at the Molong RSL this Friday 11 August 2023 with a 5 for 5.30pm start. Looking forward to seeing the season out with a bang and all are welcome to attend.

The Magpie