The Western Magpies Reserves fell 2 points short of their first victory after a see-sawing tussle with Sandgate at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies again lamented one poor period that allowed their opponents to take control and then had to fight back to hit the front only to see the game slip away in the last 10 minutes. 

The young Pies conceded 4 late third quarter goals to hold an 8 point defecit at three quarter time before the visitors kicked the first goal of the last quarter to extend the margin to 14 points. The Pies then fought back with 4 goals to take an 11 point lead halfway through the quarter only to see Sandgate kick two late goals to seal a tight victory in a match that could have gone either way.

Coach Quentin Johnson was pleased with his side's endeavour but lamented some poor disposal at crucial moments. However he believes his young charges are improving and the next step is to focus on what they need to do when they don't have the football.

The experienced Matt Hockley was a shining light up forward with 6 goals to keep the Pies in the match. 

Ben Hooper worked hard in midfield then had to retreat to fullback where he continued to play well and youngsters in Under 17 player Kurt Vine on a wing  and his 19 year old brother Monty Vine in ruck both played well. A string of other younger players in 18 year olds  Grant Jennings and Jesse Rigsby-Jones and 17 year old Nathan Morrow  all played their heart out in defence  and 18 year old Brody Easton was strong in midfield. James Page  had his best game to date and another 18 year old in Alex Spasovski was also a good player in his first match this year.

Western Magpies 3.2 - 20 | 4.3 - 27 | 6.4 - 40 | 10.5 - 65

defeated by

Sandgate Hawks 1.6 - 12 | 2.9 - 21 | 6.12 - 48 | 9.13 - 67

Goals: M.Hockley 6, B.Easton, M. Mazerolle, M.Vine, A.Spasovski 1

Best: M.Hockley, M.Vine, G.Jennings, B.Hooper, N.Morrow, B.Easton