The Toner Express Yass Magpies’ under 18s retained their unbeaten status with a 24-10 win over the Tuggeranong Bushrangers. In a game marred by handling errors from both sides, the Magpies put together enough passages of good play to get the points.
The Magpies got off the worst possible start when Tuggeranong scored a converted try in the opening minute. Looking shell-shocked the Magpies struggled to force their way back into the game. Showing little respect for the ball and failing to complete their sets, Yass were placing undue pressure on themselves.
The situation eased mid-way thought the half when better field position resulted in a Judd Sherratt try. The try went un-converted and the Bushrangers held a two point lead right through to the break.
Looking more composed at the start of the second half, the Magpies took only two minutes to score the first try. From a scrum well inside his own half, fullback Sam Jones raced 60 metres to give Yass a 10–6 lead.
With passes beginning to stick, the Magpies were looking the better of the two sides. They were again next to score with winger Matt Freeman crossing for an unconverted try, taking the score to 14-6 in Yass’ favour.
The referee began to rigidly police infringements in the play ball, which resulted in forward Andrew Erickson visiting the sin-bin. Tuggeranong took full advantage, reducing the Magpies lead to four. It wasn’t long before Half-back Dane Snowden slipped a clever ball to Shaun Davis, giving the home side breathing space at 20-10.
Only two minutes later Snowden himself scored following a good run from Judd Sherratt, to close out the match 24 -10.
Lock Shaun Davis was outstanding - by far the best player on the field - he constantly made good ground with his charging runs as well as working tirelessly in defence. Prop Ben Downey again played well, taking on much of the forwards workload. New halves combination Dane Snowden and Brad Wylie had strong defensive games and will be better for the run playing alongside each other.
Tomorrow the Magpies face equal competition leaders Queanbeyan Blues at Walker Park in a contest that will provide a guide to their end of season chances.
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Yass 24 (Sherratt, Jones, Freeman, Davis, Snowden tries; Freeman 2 goals) defeated Tuggeranong 10.