Westpoint Autos - Ressies Review
Andrew Thomson
PIES RESERVES GO DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST
The Western Magpies Reserves finals aspirations took a big blow after they were defeated by third placed Wilston Grange in a hard fought match on Saturday. Bolstered by a number of Senior players the Pies were confident of an upset over the more fancied Gorillas but fell short by 5 points, going down 8.10-58 to 8.5-53.
In a see-sawing contest the Gorillas were able to wrest a valuable 9 point three quarter time lead and hang on in a tense final quarter despite the Pies throwing everything at them in a hectic finish.
The pleasing aspect from the Pies point of view was the form of the younger players in the team with 16 year old Callum Franks kicking 2 goals and being a livewire up forward, Dom Morrison also playing his best game of the year and also slotting 2 majors, Will Fletcher on his return match for the Pies was strong across half back and Matt Mazarolle also having a fine match.
Jamie Page in defence had another good match and Bryce Crossley again worked hard in the midfield.
Coach Craig Allen was disappointed after the match lamenting it was one that got away. The Magpies were more than a match for their more fancied opponents but it was evident with a lot of new players into the side that it takes time to gel and also crucial skill errors cost them dearly –fumbles, poor options with foot and lack of cohesion at times.
The Magpies are at home to ladder leaders Mt Gravatt on Saturday and will be keen to cause the upset.
2.2-14
3.7-25
7.8-50
8.10-58
2.1-13
4.2-26
6.5-41
8.5-53
WESTERN MAGPIES
Goal Kickers: D. Morrison 2, C. Franks 2, S. Musson, G. McKinnon, M. Mazerolle, L. Mitchell
Best Players: J. Page, B. Crossley, W. Fletcher, M. Mazerolle, C. Franks, D. Morrison