Cutters prove too strong for Magpies

Play was held up in the opening minutes as the Cutters were penalised for a dangerous tackle and caused a line dropout. Magpies prop Logan Bayliss took advantage of the errors, making a line break and putting the first points of the game on the scoreboard. 

Poor discipline from the Magpies enabled Cutters fullback Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy to make a significant line break, setting in motion the play that would see Kane Bradley score the Cutters’ first try.

With the score levelled at 6-6, both teams vied to force errors and back-to-back penalties from both sides created a defensive battle, increasing the pressure. 

The Cutters held off the Magpies and were able to go on the attack with Blake Paskins making a line break to score his first of two tries of the match.

With another successful conversion from Brandon Finnegan the Cutters’ lead increased.

The Magpies failed to recover from multiple errors, with Kelly Tate on report for a dangerous tackl.

Cutters centre Bradley then set up Jake Riley for a try and with his third successful conversion, Finnegan saw his side lead 18-6 at halftime. 

Coming out of the sheds after the break, the Magpies had some catching up to do.

Early penalties set them back, however they were able to capitalise on an error from the Cutters’ Adam Cook and Fe'ao Maka made a break.

A ruck infringement penalty from the Cutters caused a set restart and Magpies’ utility Jack Canning barrelled over the try line. The successful conversion from Harradyn Wilson brought the scores to 18-12. 

The Magpie’s comeback was short-lived however, as Paskins scored his second try for the game, followed closely by Finnegan, who converted both tries successfully. 

Line breaks from Wilson and Tate set up Denzel Samoa to score for the home side, decreasing the margin between the teams.

Benaiah Bowie made a break in the following set and scored in the 79th minute of the match bringing the final score to 30-24.

Next week, the Magpies will play Townsville Blackhawks.

The Cutters will face off against Norths Devils.