RESERVES IN SOLID WIN TO KEEP FINALS HOPES ALIVE

The Western Magpies Reserves recovered from a slow start to record a good 28 point victory over Broadbeach. The Cats had 3 goals on the board before the Pies realised they had a football game to play and then the Pies woke up and booted 2 goals late in the quarter then a further 7 goals in the second quarter for 9 goals straight to lead by 6 goals at half time. 

The Pies then appeared to rest on their laurels after than period of ascendancy and invited Broadbeach back into the game, allowing the Cats 4 goals to the Pies solitary one goal and the gap closed to 17 points at three quarter time. Broadbeach narrowed the gap to 10 points at the half way mark of the final quarter before the Pies steadied with 2 late goals to seal the 4 points and keep their slim finals hopes alive. 

The Pies unveiled a new player in Joe Murphy, a solidly built player who looked all class with a penetrating left foot kick and sure ball handling and he impressed on debut.

Jamie Page across half back played his best game for the Pies with a strong performance and Liam Dwyer with 3 goals at CHF also impressed on his return game from an early season foot injury and he finished with three goals. 

Gabe McKinnon enjoyed a move to the forward line to boot 2 goals and Nick Barling at CHB returned to his best after shrugging off several niggling injuries and will be pushing for  senior recall in coming weeks.

Rhys Bridge also kept his name in front of the selectors with another strong performance across half back, especially early when the Pies were on the back foot.

Coach Craig Allen was pleased with his sides comeback after a slow start and will be looking for a good showing against lowly UQ on Saturday before trying to conjure at least one win against either ladder leaders Morningside or the fourth placed Surfers Paradise in the last 2 rounds. 

Western Magpies 15.9 - 99

Defeated

Broadbeach Cats 10.11 - 71

Best: Page, Dwyer, Muprhy, Bridge, Barling, McKinnon

Goals: Dwyer, Johnson 3, MCkinnon 2, Hockley, Taylor