Fitter Futures - Reserves Match Review

PIES RESERVES IN GOOD WIN TO KEEP SEASON ALIVE

The Western Magpies Reserves had a solid 15 point victory over the third placed Palm Beach-Currumbin to keep their finals chances alive.

The Pies fielded another strong team but after a dominant first half which saw them keep the Lions goal-less, the Pies again relaxed and allowed their opponents to get back into the game. In  a nerve wracking final quarter when the Lions closed to 3 points, the Magpies were able to steady and kick the last 2 goals of the match to seal the 15 point win. 

In a quirk of fate 2008 premiership player Val Pope kicked the sealer then celebrated with arms akimbo. Pope was in vintage form with 4 goals and was a solid contributor throughout the day.

Fellow 2008 Premiership hero Gerard Moore was also prominent, starting at CHF then winding back the clock to go into the ruck and he was a tower of strength in the second half and especially the tense final quarter.

Another veteran Peter Kilroy worked hard up and down the ground from a wing to spark the Pies early then work hard to stem the Lions second half comeback.

Youngsters Kurt Vine and Lachie Dennis were fine players with Vine playing well in defence and Dennis racking up plenty of possessions in midfield and across half forward.

Gareth Crawford had a non-stop display in the midfield and won plenty of contested ball for the Pies and Harry Marshall was strong in the last line of defence in his second good game in a row,.

The win keeps the Pies in the finals hunt and they will be keen to close the gap further on the leading pack when they take on Wilston Grange at McCarthy Homes Oval at Chelmer this Saturday.

Western Magpies              3-5-23   4-7-31     6-8-44       7-12-54

Palm Beach Currumbin    0-2-2        0-3-3        4-4-28    5-9- 39

Goal Kickers: V. Pope 4, L. Dennis, S. Kwizera, J. Austin
Best Players: K. Vine, G. Moore, L. Dennis, P. Kilroy, G. Crawford, H. Marshall