The Blackall Magpies have gone back-to-back in the Central West, defeating the re-emerged Winton Diamantina Devils 18-0 at home in Saturday’s grand final.
In one of the best Central West deciders to date, both teams’ defence was superb when having to defend their own try lines for long periods of time.
With 12 seconds on the clock, the Magpies scored to put the game well beyond doubt, but the final score line certainly wasn’t indicative of the Devils’ efforts on the night.
It’s estimated more than 800 people attended the big dance, which is nearly the entire population of Blackall, with the largely pro-Magpies crowd certainly getting behind their team at crucial times to help them claim victory.
The Magpies dominated this year’s competition, losing only one game which happened to be against the Devils only three weeks ago in Winton.
Both team captains spoke respectfully of their opposition during the presentation and have a high regard for each other.
The Devils showed great determination throughout the season to qualify for the grand final.
Being unable to field a team last year, they have come back bigger and better; but sadly, weren’t quite able to end the season with a fairy-tale finish.
In a first for the Central West, player of the grand final honours was shared between Blackall’s fullback James Moller and lock Alex Choyce - both playing outstanding games to contribute to the Magpies’ win.
It is the first time in over 60 years that Blackall have been able to go back-to-back and the win has posed some intriguing questions…
“Could this be the start of a dominant period by the Magpies in the Central West, similar to Winton in the previous decade?”
It’s imagined there are some other teams in the Central West who would question this, but only time will tell.
BLACKALL MAGPIES 18 (Matthew Weymss, John Turlan, Cody Trost tries; Jake Richardson, John Turlan, Daniel McNamara goals) defeated WINTON DIAMANTINA DEVILS 0 at Blackall Showgrounds.
