Off to a shaky start, Magpies were down 10-0 after Hinton scored two tries. The first try came from an intercept after Gloucester was attacking strongly down the left wing.

Hinton continued with a strong rolling attack, their five eighth slipped a good pass out of a tackle for the support to score their second try. The Magpies hit back when Hayden Tull took the ball to the line, dummied and got himself into a gap to put Mitch McDonald over under the posts.

Hinton stretched their lead with another try and a penalty goal before Hayden Tull took control in a ‘Man of the Match’ performance. He kicked the ball into the ingoal, then beat the defence to score adjacent to the posts. 

Next try came when the ball was put in the air across field, landing on its point to bounce high for Hayden Berry to score with Scott Wratten converting for the Magpies to go to the break 16-18 behind.

Second half started the same when Hinton intercepted a loose pass from a Magpie scrum win. Hinton were mindful of the Magpies’ ability to hit back and kicked a field goal to widen the margin. Hayden Tull scored his second try with a show and go and a long diagonal run into the corner from 40 metres out.

Corbin Predebon converted from the side line to put the Magpies within one try of hitting the lead. The Magpie defence let them down with a poor kick and chase allowing the Hornets to start their set from half way. A kick into the corner saw Hinton score to lead 29-22.

Gloucester wasn’t finished; Riley Collins had a try disallowed before Corbin latched onto a loose pass from the Hinton attack and beat the defence to score.

Final result 29-26 to Hinton.

Hinton are deserved leaders, with a good pack of forwards, a five eighth who directs attack and the ability to draw in the defence before going wide. Magpies believe in a different result next time, when they field their strongest front row platform.

3 points – Hayden Tull, 2 points – Andrew Middlebrook, 1 point – Alex Jones and Corbin Predebon

Players player – Hayden Tull