Reserves post promising win

The Western Magpies Reserves had an important win over third placed Wilston Grange at Chelmer on Sunday and with the side now nearing a full list to choose from are not without a chance to make a late charge for the finals, despite a slow start to the year. The Pies upset their more fancied rivals by 23 points, winning  13.12-90 to 10.7-67 and restoring much needed confidence to the playing group

It was the Pies biggest score for the season and after a slow first quarter the Pies were able to work their way back into the match to trail by 7 points at halftime and then wrested a lead of 7 points at the last change before taking control in the last quarter to run out comfortable victors.

Coach Quentin Johnson was disappointed with his side's intensity in the first quarter and at quarter time he asked them to apply pressure at the tackle and the contest and his team responded. They also used the ball better, worked hard to help teammates and as result were able to gradually get on top.

Young midfielder Logan Murray had his best game for the Pies with a non stop display which netted two long goals, Sean McEvoy controlled the defence, Matt Green was busy all match on his return after missing a few matches, Brodie Easton worked hard in midfield to keep his name in front of the Senior selection committee and Jadan Morton put in his usual consistent display in ruck and across half forward.

Youngster Riley Easton made the decision to stick with senior football this year and will forego a chance at an Under 17 premiership and his forward pressure and three goals were major factors in the Pies working their way into the match.

Jake Heard injected pace and run into the side on return after a long injury lay-off and finished with two goals, Ben Hooper had plenty of the ball  and Matt Garland was also influential up forward with three goals. 

The Magpies have now played the three top sides a second time in the Reserves competition and with an almost full list to select from they will be every chance of victory each time they take the field for the remainder of the year and can make a late charge for finals.

Best: L.Murray, M.Green, S.McEvoy, J.Morton, R.Easton, B.Easton

Goals: M.Garland, R.Easton 3, L.Murray, J.Heard 2, M.Mazerolle, J.Morton, B.Easton