PIES RESERVES IN MORALE BOOSTING WIN

The Western Magpies Reserves had a morale boosting win when they defeated Surfers Paradise by 8 goals at Toowoomba on Saturday. 

In a tight first half the magpies were able to wrest a three goal lead at half time but a dominant third quarter put the Pies 7 goals up at the final change before going on to win 14.7-91 to 6.7-43. 

Youngster Kurt Vine got an opportunity up forward after being across half back for the early part of the season and he booted three goals by early in the second quarter to get the Pies going early.

Veterans Sean Mewing and Gabe McKinnon led from the front with Mewing winning plenty of midfield possessions and is relishing his football. McKinnon also relished being up forward instead of his usual defensive role and he converted five majors to also be one of the Magpies best on the day.

Rory Johnson was busy in the midfield and across half forward and this will keep his name in front of the senior selectors and Bryce Crossley was again a steadying influence around ground with plenty of possessions.

Two Colts players were promoted for this match and Sam Hartog and Tristan Dowdy did not let the selectors down with mature and polished displays. Rohan Smith was also among the best in a pretty good defensive unit.

Jeremy de Rooy kicked three goals and he is getting better each week—he can take a big grab and is developing a forward presence for the Magpies.

So with a few experienced players and a big contingent of young developing players coach Craig Allen was chuffed with his players application and teamwork and is looking forward to continual improvement each week. The Pies have a chance to push further up the ladder when they host Broadbeach on Saturday and a win can lift them into the five.

Western Magpies   5-3   7-6   11-7  14-7-91

Surfers Paradise    2-0   4-5    4-5    6-7-43

Goals: G. McKinnon 5, K. Vine 3, J. DeRooy 3, S. Mewing, D. Beer, T. Roderick
Best: S. Mewing, S. Hartog, B. Crossley, R. Johnson, R. Smith, G. McKinnon