In a disappointing turn for local football fans, the Forbes Magpies have slipped to fourth place on the Group 11 Rugby League Ladder following a 32-26 loss to the Wellington Cowboys last weekend. In their earlier games, the Magpies had proved unbeatable. They had convincing wins in the women’s League Tag tournament, and the Under 18s and Reserve grades are sitting pretty in first place on the ladder with only two rounds remaining before the semi-finals begin.
Unfortunately, the Magpies’ First Grade team were forced to work much harder in their match s the game was a crucial “mustwin” tournament for both teams who were jostling for third position on the ladder. Running out to the tough Kennard Park crowd, the Cowboys took the leader quite early, crossing over with a quick succession of tries.
The Magpies were not to be deterred though, and their forwards pack led the charge back up through the middle of the paddock with the strong forwards pack gaining much needed distance for the Forbes team. This gave Ethan Gaffney the chance to get some points on the board for the Magpies.
The momentum swung the Magpies way with Rusiate Luwanikula crossing out wide. But it wasn’t quite enough with the Cowboys so thirsty for the win. The contest was tough and there was plenty on the line; out came the hard hits and the ugly niggles. The contest in the ruck resulted in a blow for Forbes with Zac Merritt sent off the field
for 10 after a contentious tackle. The Magpies were a man down and Wellington took the advantage. The Cowboys were able to score another two tries before the half-time siren sounded, taking them into the break with a 12 point lead.
The Magpies were desperate to get back into the game as they returned from the sheds after the break, sending Jake Grace, Joel Davie and Ben Robinson all over for tries. Hooker Hayden Bolam was successful in converting three of the five opportunities but fate was already sealed, with the Cowboys walking away with the win. The final score of
the game was 32-26.
This weekend the Magpies are looking to take back the two points they’ve just lost by heading to Caltex Oval in Dubbo to take on the 7th placed Dubbo Macquarie Raiders. This will be another very important game for
the Forbes side if they are hoping to remain in the top four teams in the competition.
The Raiders were unable to field a League Tag side so the first fixture of the day will be the Under 18s team, kicking off at 11:30am. On the following weekend, the Magpies will host the Parkes Spacemen at Spooners Oval in a much anticipated local derby. Get out there and show your support for
the team.