The Blackall Magpies’ playing roster looks good after upsetting the gutted Goannas in Barcaldine last Friday.
It was a cold night in Barcaldine as the Blackall Magpies and the Barcaldine Sandgoannas took to the field in a much anticipated clash. The Magpies got off to a flying start as they penetrated the home side’s defensive line early in the match.
Tension increased between the two teams as a number of penalties were handed out with referee Malcolm Wright sending two players from the field before halftime. However, this didn’t dampen the Magpies’ spirits with centre Braden Russell and second-rower Andrew Carcary putting in stellar performances to ensure their team had a healthy lead going into the second-half.
Some fancy footwork from Magpies’ hooker Hugh MacDonald reignited the competition after the break, sparking a surge in the team’s attacking efforts. The tables turned midway through the second half though and it didn’t take the Sandgoannas long to put some much needed points on the board with elusive halfback Kerrod Power leading the way.
It was clear the hosts certainly weren’t going down without a fight, edging their way closer to victory with some late tries. The Magpies did well to hold the Goannas out by four points, with the final score being 28-24. Gibson Gela, who scored three tries on the night and has been an indispensable addition to the Blackall Magpies this season, won ‘Player of the Match’.
Local legend and avid Sandgoannas supporter, Viv Johnson, threw her support behind the Blackall Magpies saying that she believes Blackall has the players to win the Central West grand final this year. There is no denying that the Blackall Magpies are certainly the team to watch in 2015.
This article first appeared in The Barcoo Independent
