UNDERMANNED RESERVES GO DOWN
Andrew Thomson
The Western Magpies Reserves were easily defeated by a slick Labrador Reserves team, going down 18-16-124 to 3-2-20.
With quite a few players missing, the Pies topped their team up with 5 Under 17 players and they all tried gallantly against a stronger, bigger and more experienced Tigers outfit.
Coach Quentin Johnson was again pleased with the effort but skill errors cost the team. The Pies were able to match their opponents for the first part of each quarter but allowed Labrador to pile on goals late in the quarter as they tired from the effort of matching their opponents. In addition injuries during the match left the Pies with only 18 players by the end of the game.
Best players were Brady Allen who worked hard in defence then later in the midfield, Peter Kilroy, helping out for a second week, was tireless across half back as was Gabe McKinnon. Bryce Crossley, Logan Murray, Blake McClennan and Matt Mazarolle were busy in midfield and Under 17s Lachlan Dennis and Zach Stegmeyer also contributed and showed promise.
The Reserves will get stronger in coming weeks with the return of players and should be far more competitive.