The Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Rugby League Magpies went agonisingly close to claiming a win against the Army Thunder in the annual Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match at Bellingen Park on Saturday.
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Before a large crowd, the Magpies were on fire demonstrating the results of the training put in under captain-coach Daniel Tempest over the past couple of months and were very unlucky to not come away with their second win in 11 years.
Strong defence from both teams dominated the opening minutes however the Army Thunder were able to break through with a well-structured play to take a 6-0 lead after eight minutes.
With more possession, the Magpie backline was able to build on the platform created by forwards Wayne Martin, Glenn McCann, Matt Field, Matt Freebairn, Corey and Dane Cross.
At the 25-minute mark, the Magpies had a try disallowed but this only seemed to make them more determined and gradually wore the Thunder down. Late in the half, the Dorrigo connection of Luke Beaumont and Stuart Kelly interchanged passes on several times to break through and put winger Brendan Deane in for a great try.
With an unsuccessful conversion, the score was 6-4 to the Army Thunder. Right on half time, another slick backline movement saw centre Zack Johnson cross wide out for the Magpies and take the lead 8-6.
Early in the second half, the Magpies defence had to grit and hold on as the Thunder came out firing in attack.
With the numbers stacked against the Magpies, Winger Brendan Deane turned a close Thunder try into one for the Magpies by taking an intercept pass and running the length of the field to score under the posts. Luke Beaumont converted and the Magpies went to a 14-6 lead.
A minute later a clever offload saw Luke Beaumont break the defence again and put Brendan Deane in for his third try, (18-6). A clever dummy half pass by Dave McCormack put Daniel Taylor over for a try and the Magpies took a strong 22-6 lead.
As they have shown in other years, the Thunder were not done yet, and with a few Magpie errors, the Thunder were able to run in three quick tries in 20 minutes. The lack of ball for the Magpies did not dampen their spirits as the team held on during some tense moments to have the game levelled at 22-22.
With 1 minute to go, the Army Thunder had a chance to take the game with a penalty in front of the posts 35m out. It missed and the game ended in a worthy draw.
Dave McCormack was named the Magpies Best and Fairest with Milod Moor taking the honour for the Thunder.
The Magpies played last year's Premiers in Women’s League, South Grafton Rebels, earlier in hot, sticky conditions. Early on Marion Campbell made a couple of breaks but the Magpies were unable to take advantage. The Magpie defence had to hold on for long periods, as the Rebels seemed to be forever in their 30m zone. Finally, late in the half the Magpies received a penalty and were able to score a try through Kayla Edwards to take a 4-0 lead at the break. Unfortunately, the second half was all the Rebels as they dominated possession to run in four tries, two of which were converted to take the game 20-4.
In other matches, the Bellingen Dorrigo Under 14s defeated Woolgoolga 22-0. South Grafton Rebels defeated Woolgoolga Seahorses 30-14 in a first-grade encounter. In a high standard game, the Orara Valley Axemen held Airforce Jets to a 12-all draw.
The Magpies are shaping up well for 2019, and the community support has been outstanding. Thanks to all those who attended the day and made the Charity Day a huge success for the designated charities.
