The Magpies seniors stood their ground against the Oberon Tigers over the weekend at Sid Kallas Oval, answering the call in the first game of the Woodbridge Cup. Along with the juniors and women's teams, the Magpies managed to best Oberon, with scores standing at 14-8 by full time. Coach Phil Ingram said the team was not resting on their laurels however, and that the game had been physical and costly. "It was a bit of an ugly win, but a win's a win, we'll take it. It was a very physical game, making it hard for ourselves at times." said Mr Ingram. The Cowra team had been fielding injuries from returning players, and in spite of the win the Magpies were going to look at improvements. "We defended really well, but we shouldn't be under that much pressure so there are a few things we can work on." Mr Ingram said the Magpies were going to focus on more supportive tactics, relieving pressure from the ball carrier to make attacks more decisive. "There's probably a bit of rust that needs to be knocked out, but we'll be working on our mistakes and going from there." said Ingram. The Magpies were not short on the attack as far as the scoreboard was concerned; with Jayden Williams accounting for two tries, along with Mitchell Hatch's 1, as well as Ricky Whitton making a conversion. Oberon Tiger's Wil Melcher's scoring both of Oberon's tries, though was not enough to carry the day. Four new players had their debut on the field in first grade, emerging from the junior system: Alex Daley, Zane Vance, Henry Anderson, Nick Oresic. "They all earned their spot to be there and all gave an hundred percent." Ingram said, "Toby Apps came back from knee surgery and Josh Newling came back from injuries and both really stood up for us as well." The physicality of the game saw the Magpies suffer an injury with Mitchell Hatch sustaining a shoulder injury whilst securing the win for the team. 'There was a bit of a sour note, losing Mitchell Hatch to a shoulder injury. He scored the winning try but in doing so, hurt his shoulder and was out for the rest of the game, possibly a few weeks. He was one of our star players last year, winning player's player. It'd be a big loss for us." Mr Ingram said. With thirty members in the squad, the Magpies have a great many members to step up for the next game against Blayney, which Ingram says is always a strong match up. "It was a good crowd - a great win, along with the juniors and girls as well. A great start for the club for the year with all three grades winning." Phil Ingram said the teams were ready for a strong game against the old rivals on the weekend. "It doesn't matter where both clubs are on the ladder, it's always a close game when we're up against Blayney. Both teams will be up for it"
