Hay Magpies outplayed struggling Tullibigeal Lakes United (TLU) Sharks teams in two grades on Sunday at Hay Park.

The Sharks were only able to field teams for league tag and first grade, and chose to forfeit the reserve grade game on Friday evening. Despite the forfeit the Sharks only played 12 men in total during the first grade match.

Hay’s first point came from a break by winger Billy Fixter, who sent Hugh Crighton sailing over under the posts. 

Soon after brother Jock Crighton also scored, on the back of solid busting runs by Zane Gash and Harley Hey.

The Sharks bit back with a try to Ned Phillips, who deftly chased a deep kick to score. However, the momentum for the rest of the half was all in Hay’s favour.

Lock Ben Arandt busted over for the Magpies, before Gash’s next break allowed a swift pass to Hey, who finished the effort off, scoring under the posts. 

Rex Rokosusu palmed defenders off to score before the siren, and Hay went into the break with a 26-point margin.

Despite good service from Jayden Kelly, who’s kicking game has lost little sting. Hay crossed again twice. Hugh Crighton grabbed his second try, before Rokosusu scored from the next kickoff, almost untouched, to post a hat trick of tries.

Jerry Balenawi made big powerful runs to give Hay space but it was a clever Kelly kick that gave TLU a chance. Kelly regathered his own chip over the top to score and then convert as well.

Dylan Lund scored next for the Magpies but even as the Sharks energy faltered Todd Collins capitalised on a Magpies error and scored.

Lund sent a well-timed pass across to Shaun Aylett under full steam, and he crossed for the, before Hey’s refusal to surrender to defenders was rewarded with another try in the final moments of the game.

In all, Hay posted a whopping 11 tries to the Sharks three, however the visitors gave good service for the entire game, but were outnumbered.

“It was another good win but we are taking it one game at a time,” coach Chris Stewart said. 

“Everyone played well, especially when we played our own style, getting in the grind.”

Stewart named Zane Gash, Harley Hey and hooker Will Barnes as his best players. 

Final score: Hay Magpies 50 (Tries Rex Rokosusu 3, Hugh Crighton2, Harley Hey 2, Jock Crighton, Ben Arandt, Dylan Lund, Shaun Aylett. Goals: Ben Taylor 3) TLU Sharks 14.

In the league tag match, TLU scored three skilful, quick tries to set Hay a challenge. 

In the final seven minutes of the first half Karly Fisher crossed to get Hay on the board. Lily Weymouth and Lani Houston combined and Weymouth was unlucky not to score, however Wendy Gonevulavula scored on the next play and Hay went into the break trailing by two points.

“We started slowly,” coach Jessie Carter said. “But I am very proud of the team for making the comeback they did.”

The Magpies ramped up pressure in the second half. The tagging efforts of Noa Magliocchetti were on display and Kayla Barrett made many valuable metres with each carry.

Emily Shea made her first grade debut on Sunday and like all the players coming through the junior ranks, she was not intimidated by the much older opposition.

On the back of multiple penalties, Hay enjoyed repeat sets, but the Shark line held until Weymouth weaved over to score, and Hay hit the lead for the first time.

Gonevulavula increased pressure on TLU ball carriers and forced an error. Lily Plum followed up with a blinding run, before Gonevulvula crossed for her second to seal the win for Hay.

“Hannah Stewart’s kicking was on song, giving us multiple handovers,” Carter said. “Wendy Gonevulavula played her usual deadly game in attack, keeping TLU on their toes. 

Carter also praised Captain Lily Weymouth.

“Lily has stepped into her first year as captain very well. I’m proud of the way she leads the girls and I think it shows best when you’re coming from behind how crucial that leadership role can be.”

Final score: Hay 24 (Tries Wendy Gonevulavula 2, Karly Fisher, Lily Weymouth. Goals Karly Fisher 4)

Hay will enjoy another home game next Sunday when they host Yenda Blueheelers for the Mother’s Day round four games. 

“We still have plenty of work to do with a big game against Yenda this weekend,” Stewart said. 

In first grade Yenda accounted for Darlington Point Coleambally (DPC) by just two points in round three, but went down to DPC in both reserves and league tag.

Other round 3 results:

Black & Whites v Yanco Wamoon Hawks at Solar Mad Stadium, Griffith

League tag - Black & Whites 58 defeated Yanco 0

Women’s 9s - Yanco 26 defeated Black & Whites 12

Reserve grade - Black & Whites 34 defeated Yanco 10

First grade - Yanco 44 defeated Black & Whites 14

West Wyalong Malle Men v Griffith Waratahs at Ron Crowe Oval, West Wyalong

Under 18s - West Wyalong 46 defeated Waratahs 12

League tag - West Wyalong 42 defeated Waratahs 10

Reserve grade - Forfeit

First grade - Waratahs 66 defeated West Wyalong 14

Yenda Blueheers v Darlington Point Colleambally Roosters at Wade Park, Yenda

League tag - DOC 16 defeated Yenda 0

Reserve grade - DPC defeated Yenda 12

First grade - Yenda 30 defeated DPC 28