Having clashed the week before, a torrid game was expected. The Tall Timbers were coached by Rob Trangay, who is formerly of Wauchope and a captain-coach of the Blues in two Group Three Rugby League premierships. Gloucester started strongly. Coach Andrew Middlebrook had a good game plan for the windy conditions with strong gains up the middle and great kicking from Luke Handsacker and Mick Eddmonds.

Gloucester scored early with Col Clark scoring and Luke converting. The Magpies played strongly for long periods and were rewarded again with a try to Riley Collins again converted by Luke. This put the Magpies up 12-0.

It took Tall Timbers 30 minutes to finally force mistakes and score to make the score 12-6 at half time. Magpies needed the break as they sustained some torrid attacks from the opposition.

The second half was under way for eight minutes when a Tall Timbers player hurt his leg. Play was suspended for 45 minutes for the ambulance, then another 25 minutes to attend to the player. This took the momentum away from the Magpies and helped the Tall Timber forwards when play resumed.

After some basic mistakes from Gloucester, Tall Timbers scored to make the score 12-10 to the Magpies. More mistakes gifted Tall Timbers a penalty in front to lock the scores up at 12-all. Another handling mistake and Tall Timbers score to take a 16-12 lead. The injury delay had helped the Timbers but to Gloucester's credit the last 10 minutes was all Magpies, being held up three times over the line. A last ditch try to Tom Middlebrook in the corner was denied. Magpies now play Morriset next week in the knockout game.

The Magpies club would like to thank major sponsor Avon Valley Inn and all our other great sponsors for another successful year.

A great Old Boys Day last week delivered for the prostate cancer society. This day is now a permanent fixture on the Magpies calendar.

Presentation night is September 28 at the Gloucester Golf Club.