The Lower Macleay Magpies Women’s rugby league side completed their fairytale finish to the Hastings/Group 3 women’s tackle competition as they lifted the premiership trophy on Saturday after earning two hard-fought victories.
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In their first match of the day, the Magpies, who finished the regular season in second position, faced off with the Beechwood Shamrocks in the semi-final.
The Magpies, who were sitting in last position after the second round of the competition, raced out of the blocks against the Shamrocks.
The Magpies applied pressure to their opponents and played with an unrelenting style of play which has become a feature of the Magpies.
The Shamrocks were determined to make a game of it but the Magpies demonstrated their superiority to lead from start to finish and claim a dominant 22-8 victory.
The win advanced the Magpies to the grand final where they were up against the Old Bar Pirates.
The Magpies and Pirates had become fierce rivals over the course of the competition and their last meeting ended in a tightly contested nil-all draw.
Neither side gave an inch in the opening exchanges and after action at both ends of the field, the Pirates were the first to score.
However, the Magpies hit straight back to tie the scores at 4 at the break.
The physicality of the game continued in the second half and both teams showcased their high level of defence as they kept their opponents at bay.
In an all-or-nothing play, the Pirates attacked down an edge and attempted a long pass but the Magpies were able to intercept the ball and run the length of the field to take a four point lead with only minutes remaining.
The Pirates maintained their composure and were back on the attack but the Magpies defence was up to the task as they held on for the 8-4 victory.
The Magpies lifted the premiership as they completed the fairytale. The Magpies entered the competition as arguably the favourites for the wooden spoon but they were able to defy the odds.
The Magpies finished the competition on an eight game undefeated streak.
The future is looking bright for women’s rugby league in the Macleay. Swoop you Magpies.
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