After a disappointing opening round loss to rivals Stroud, the magpies went into the game with a few key positional changes due to work commitments and injuries which meant 17-year-old Jonah Mason and Josh Chester could make their debuts.

Gloucester started the game sluggish, dropping too much ball and bombing a couple of certain tries, allowing Windale to score first.

Gloucester’s defence kept them in the game until back to back sets led to Magpies 5/8 Riley “Milford” Collins scoring under the post. Center Scott Wratten converted from in front to tie it up six all.

Another drop ball from Gloucester saw Windale score out wide right on half time to lead at the break 10-6.

Some stern words from coaches Hitchcock and Tull did the trick and Gloucester came out firing in the second half. A break from Hayden Tull saw Bill Hughes score a great try in the corner with Wratten kicking the goal from the sideline to lead 12-10.

With 15 minutes to go Windale scored next to the post to lead 16-12 until new recruit Johnny Cornelius latched on to a kick. A remarkable offload saw Hughes score his second try from out wide.

The scores were locked at 16 all with four minutes to go when Windale missed a field goal from right in front which gave Magpies possession. With a minute to go the Magpies were awarded a penalty from out wide. After falling over a few times showing everyone his dance moves, Tull slotted the field goal to take a one point lead. A penalty from the kick off saw the Maggies slow the clock down and win the game.

Both coaches made special mention to the younger Magpie forward pack who stepped up with a depleted bench.

The Magpies are at home this week taking on a very good Hinton team with a 2.30 kickoff at Berties Oval.

Points: 3 points Matt Wise; 2 points Coen Durbridge; 1 point Hayden Tull and Scott Wratten

Matt Wise was declared Player’s player.