The Lower Macleay Magpies produced their best performance of the year when it mattered most as they handed their rivals South West Rocks Marlins a 34-26 defeat to end their season in Saturday’s elimination final.
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The Magpies entered the game with their backs against the wall as they had only 14 available players and were facing a side, who beat them 54-12 only a fortnight earlier.
However, the Magpies lifted and played as a unit to advance.
“It was our best team performance by far,” Magpies coach Bo Wilson said.
“It’s impossible to pick someone who stood out as we all played so well together.
“I knew all season we were capable of playing at that level and it’s finally happened.
“It’s a real confidence booster moving forward as we have proven we can play at an extremely high level.”
The Marlins opened the scoring but it didn’t last long as the Magpies hit back quickly.
The two sides exchanged tries heading into the break with the Magpies getting the edge to hold a 16-10 lead at halftime.
The tight battle continued into the second half as two points separated the teams with 20-minutes remaining.
However, the Magpies lifted to race in for three quick tries to extend their lead to 34-20.
The Marlins grabbed a consolation try but it wasn’t enough to save their season.
The Marlins improved drastically this season and lifted in the backhalf of the year to move from second last on the ladder into a position to compete in the finals.
The victory for the Magpies advances them to face off with the two-time defending premiers the Kendall Blues.
The Magpies suffered two defeats against the Blues in the regular season but Wilson claims his side has what it takes to go all the way.
“I believe with the footy players we have and the IQ level they have, we are capable of winning the premiership,” Wilson said.
Wilson believes the key to defeating the Blues is to shutting down their attacking options out wide.
“They move the ball really well and get their attacking threats the ball and we need to get up in their faces and shut it down early,” Wilson said.
“We can’t allow their danger men to have space with the ball otherwise they will run around us.”
The semi-final match kicks off at 1pm at Lank Bain Oval, Wauchope with the losing side bowing out of the finals race.
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