Place Match Review - Improving Colts get the job done
Andrew Thomson
The Western Magpies Colts kicked off the day with a solid win over rivals PBC by 38pts.
It was built on an excellent first half, with the forward press and full ground pressure the team applied proving too much for PBC. The result of this was a 38 point half time lead. It should have been even better than that, but missed opportunities, and a desire to share the footy around, meant some excellent work from the backline and midfield , who were both well on top, wasn't exploited fully.
The forwards were not bad by any stretch of the imagination, and with a focus on the press and pressure inside the forward 50 it's understandable that some attacking fluency wasn't quite as it should be.
The highlights were forcing many turnovers from PBC's kick out's ,the ruck work of both Highlands and Rigsby-Jones, the constant power running of the midfield group led by Reynolds, Misso, R Johnson , Fletcher & Gainsford, both key defenders Vine and Fisher, hard ball work of Smith , Roderick and Renner, and the pressure and crumbing work forward of centre from Lawson, Stumer and B Johnson.
Both big key forwards worked tirelessly with Mason being targeted constantly by PBC and he must be commended on keeping fairly cool whilst being harassed by multiple opponents.
A flat second half was proof the Colts still have much to work on and having improved fitness to bury sides when in a strong position as they we were at half time is the next step for these talented lads.
Magpies 11.14 - 80 defeated PBC Lions 6.6 - 42
Best: Reynolds, Misso, Vine, Smith, R.Johnson, Rigsby-Jones
Goals: Reynolds 3, Lawson, Stumer, De Rooy 2, Mason, Misso 1