UNDERSTRENGTH RESERVES WELL BEATEN

The Western Magpies Reserves were well beaten by Morningside in a practice match hit out on Saturday.

Morningside have been the standard bearers for Reserves football in the new QAFL in recent years, with 2 Premierships and a Runners Up trophy, so with 15 players unavailable for the clash the Pies were always going to be up against it.

The Magpies called up some Colts and Woodsmen to help put a side together and while they gave a solid contest, fitness and cohesive play is where they were found wanting. The Pies faded in the second half as a result and were defeated 15.18-108 to 6.2-38.

With 10+ teenagers in the 22 and some wily veterans from the Woodsmen, there was an experience and fitness gap in the squad, compared with the well drilled Panthers outfit.

Best players were new full back Tom Hall , who showed some class in the last line of defence, while the returning Bryce Crossley worked hard in midfield and Jamie Page also battled gamely in defence. 

The Magpies will look to the return of a host of players for their first QAFL Reserves match in a fortnight against Mt Gravatt.