Hay Magpies reserve grade continue their march to Group 20 finals

James McLean was named Player’s Player following his tough performance against DPC Roosters on Sunday. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.

By Krista Schade

Hay Magpies rugby league reserve grade continued their march towards the finals, defeating Darlington Point Coleambally (DPC) Roosters, in an at times spiteful match.

The two clubs met on Sunday at Darlington Point Sportsground, for round nine of the Group 20 season. The Roosters scored the first two tries, before an error gave Hay possession 10 metres from their try line. New recruit Phil Hunter busted across the line to get Hay on the board. The game was full of errors and ill discipline, but for Hay the old heads stepped up to ensure the win.

James McLean was again outstanding, and Lloyd Schulz played one of his best games of the season. Under pressure from multiple bombing kicks, Jesse Thomson was calm and ran the ball well. Jack Stark, Zac O’Neill and Quentin Plum added sting to both Hay’s attack and defence. O’Neill’s efforts were rewarded when he scored Hay’s next try, but the Magpies went into the break trailing by four points.

Ethan Harris has served Hay well this year, and on Sunday he fought hard for every inch of ground, with every carry. Dylan Lund seems to be enjoying his run in reserve grade, carting the ball forward strongly. Zane Gash cleverly targeted off-side Roosters whenever he had the ball, and carried the advantage across the line to score under the posts. The Roosters frustrations got the better of them and they took it out on heavy hits against the Magpies, who refused to take a step back.

Lote Clark put his body on the line to dive on a loose ball and turn the momentum around, and he took that celebration one step further, crossing to bag his own try soon after. As the clock wound down, Hay lost Schulz to the sinbin for a late hit, but the Magpies held their line, and denied DPC any second half points.

“We stuck to our game plan and our defence was great,” O’Neill said.

“All our games this year have been team efforts and this was no different.

“On the menu at training is lots of running to pick up our fitness and the boys are keen on the idea. “Our best football is yet to come.”

The Magpies will be without McLean for the next several rounds, and O’Neill said the absence will be a challenge.

“It will be a big test, but good opportunity for blokes to challenge themselves to cover for the old warhorse McLean.”

The win means Hay keeps their top spot on the ladder, just ahead of Waratah Tigers.

Final score: Hay 18 (Tries: Phil Hunter, Zac O’Neill, Zane Gash, Lote Clark. Goal: Patty Miller) DPC 12. Awards: Player’s Player James McLean. Coaches award Lote Clark.

Hay league tag captain Lily Weymouth, in action against the Roosters, with namesake and team rookie Lily Plum.

Hay’s league tag side also held on to take a win on Sunday, despite a scare from the home side, when DPC scored first. The speed of the Magpies outfit, and their skill in passing the ball across the field saw them run out eight-point winners.

Like reserve grade, Hay kept DPC scoreless in the second half. Hannah Stewart scored first, before repeated attacks at the line allowed Sophie Curtis to find a gap and cross untouched. Rising star Emily Shea and Wendy Gonevulavula proved elusive and scored for the Magpies Gonevulavula, Lani Houston and Zoe McRae led the attack, and from the dummy half position captain Lily Weymouth directed the plays - she also crossed for a try to seal Hay’s win.

“I was happy with the win,” coach Jessie Carter said.

“We still have a lot to work on with some recent structure changes, but I’m hoping to crack down on that at training this week.

“Hannah had ripper of a game in attack paired with Wendy.

“The youngsters of the side - Lily Plum and Emily Shea - are starting to step up too, which is great.”

Final score: Hay 24 (Tries: Hannah Stewart, Sophie Curtis, Emily Shea, Wendy Gonevulavula, Lily Weymouth. Goals: Karly Fisher 2) DPC 16. Awards: Player’s Player Hannah Stewart. Coaches award Wendy Gonevulavula.

Brad Pocock (with ball) was welcomed into Hay’s first grade rugby league side on Sunday.

Injury woes and player unavailability made the selection of the first-grade side difficult for coach Chris Stewart, who pulled Brad Pocock into the side.

“Poey was great and we will work him into a bigger role in the next few weeks,” Stewart said after the match.

Toby Whitehead returned to the field for his first game in 2025, following a lengthy suspension, and fulfilled the fullback role with precision.

Hay scored first when the Magpies sent the ball wide and Anare Roksusu crossed, but an error from the restart saw DPC even the score soon after. The hosts made a break, doggedly chased down by Jack Miller, Shaun Aylett and Ben Taylor, but they completed the set in the next stanza, crossing for the Rooster’s second try.

Hugh Crighton made metres with every carry and Jerry Balenawi delivered big hits on the Roosters attack. A pin-point accurate kick by Taylor into the arms of Ben Arandt saw him crash over to even the score at 12-all. Arandt scored his second soon after, but DPC hit back with their own try, keeping the match even.

DPC errors gave Hay a stint of possession and Taylor crossed to take the Magpies into the break with a 24-18 lead.

In the second half Hay struggled to string together attack, and the home side rolled out sustained attack. DPC lost their fullback to the sinbin for a late hit on O’Neill as sideline fans were left confused by changes to the scoreboard – two points were removed from Hay’s score, but reappeared after appeals from Magpies officials.

DPC kicked a penalty goal after a late hit by the Magpies on their kicker, then posted three unanswered tries, including one runaway break. With eight minutes remaining Hay lost Hugh Crighton to the sinbin, before Arandt crashed over to score his third. He endured a high hit on his way across the line and the referee ruled a penalty try – Taylor expertly kicked both conversions.

Despite the late comeback Hay was unable to recover from a flurry of errors and 50/50 penalty calls that fell in the Rooster’s favour.

“We were good in patches,” Stewart said.

“We scored every time we had good ball, but once again penalties killed us, and until we get that sorted, we will continue to have close losses.”

Hay was without Harley Hey and Kynan Headon due to injury but both are expected to return for round 11.

Stewart named Arandt, Taylor and Roksusu as his best players.

Final score: Hay 32 (Tries: Anare Rokusu, Ben Arandt 3, Ben Taylor. Goals: Ben Taylor 6) DPC 42.

Hay will enjoy a bye week in round 10, before hosting Yanco Hawks on July 6 at Hay Park.

Both the Magpies and Roosters have combined efforts to raise funds for the Rokobati family, following the sudden death of wife and mother Nancy. Orisi Rokobati has played for both clubs and they have launched fundraising efforts for the family. Details can be found on the Magpies social media.