The game started at a frenetic pace; both teams testing out the opposition’s defence. With the weight of possession and territory in their favour, Forster found the Gloucester brick wall defence very hard to crack, with Ryan Yates being prominent with his around the ankle tackling. As a result, Forster elected to kick penalty goals, rather than playing on. Not until the 25th minute, was Forster able to cross the stripe. Gloucester launched some good attacking raids with Kenny Wamsley combining with Ryan Yates, but denied several times short of the line. Mick Wooster kicked a great touch finder deep into Forster’s 22, from which another attacking raid was launched, but again Forster kept their line intact. Orange saw a scoreline of 23-0, but the Cockies had shown plenty of effort, with little reward on the scoreboard. 

The second half saw the Dolphins work some well rehearsed back line moves resulting in good territory and a further 4 tries. Second half hightlight, was a monstrous scrum from the Cockies resulting in a tight head leading to a great run from “The Praying Mantis” Jeremy Kelly, who planted the ball next to the posts for an easy conversion for Mick Wooster.  Best and fairest: 3: R.Yates; 2: J.Kelly; 1: M.Meredith Players’ player: R.Yates. Gloucester Cockies: 7 Forster-Tuncurry Dolphins 49. Next home game versus Myall Coast Mud Crabs July 30. The Beast

The Gloucester Magpies saw off the Windale Eagles on Saturday, consolidating second spot on the competition ladder. 

In the first 15 minutes, the Magpies kept Windale confined in their own half with solid defence and good forward rushes. Twice the Gloucester attack was pulled up for forward passes when it seemed certain they would score. The Windale defence was proving hard to crack even when the Magpies received a string of penalties in the Eagles half. Craig Murray showed the way to the try line when he came off the bench and quickly crossed for the Magpies first try. Then a complete turn around when it’s the Magpies turn to defend their line; penalties and possession going Windale’s way. The Eagles scored after receiving a penalty inside 20 metres; their big front rower crossed unopposed after being put in a gap to level the scores at 6 all at half time.

The Magpie’s strong defensive start in the second half was rewarded, working the ball upfield through their forwards and Scott Wratten’s constantly probing runs. The ball was turned down the blind side for Jonathon Cornelius to become airborne and score in the corner; thrilling the supporters in front of the beer tent with his acrobatic prowess. Scott Wratten converted from the side line for the Magpies to lead 12–6. The solid Magpie foundation the forwards laid down in the first half was now telling on Windale and they scored two well constructed tries when the ball was swept out along the backs. Jason Boorer and Jonah Mason scored tries after good lead up by teammates on the inside. 

The Magpies ran out 20–6 winners. Dane Lahey was again outstanding in the middle with Scott Wratten joining in from fullback as an extra running forward. With the Magpies now close to reaching full strength, it would be great to see ‘Scoot’ using his running skills out wider to good effect. 3 points Dane Lahey, 2 points Scott Wratten, 1 point Craig Murray, Jonah Mason. Players player Dane Lahey.

A big day next Saturday at Berties Oval. The junior Magpies kick off in the morning for Tallulah ‘Toot’ Nixon’s benefit day. The seniors will be running out in ‘Toots’ favourite club colours and all monies raised on the day will go toward her fight against leukemia. Dave Parker