It was a tough road trip for Hay Magpies men's sides on Sunday, when they met Tullibgeal Lakes United (TLU) Sharks on their home ground field beside Lake Cargelligo.

The Magpies reserve grade side conceded their first loss of the season, after a shocker of a first half.

Handling errors and soft penalties peppered the Hay performance, and at half-time the Magpies trailed by 16 points.

Without the experience and direction of James McLean, Lloyd Schulz and Shayne Kennedy coach Zac O'Neill said it contributed to the first half disappointment.

"We had too much negativity out on their field and too many people talking," O'Neill said after the match.

"The chat in the sheds afterwards was good, so we'll be ok. We will just pick up and go again."

"The positive to come out of it was the comeback."

After the restart Hay fought back to come within two points of the Sharks, who held off to take the win.

Forwards Luke William and Phil Hunter made some punishing runs, and Zane Gash was outstanding in both defence and attack.

Patty Miller came under pressure by the Sharks bombing kicks and heavy tackling style.

John Weymouth's gritty performance led to Hay's first points, when his progression sent Tyrelle Jones across the line. Jack Bolger's always impressive defensive effort lifted another notch in the second half and Lote Clark played out another strong game – Clark built on his solid performances in past weeks.

The experience of hooker Jermaine Dixon and Quinton Plum made the difference in Hay's comeback and Jesse Thompson continues to impress.

His award was worthy recognition of his notable efforts.

The conversion kicking skill of Ryan Gash, who booted four from four in challenging, blustery conditions, kept the Magpies in contention.

Unfortunately for Hay the clock ran out on their efforts to break ahead, and the loss sees the Magpies slip to second place on the ladder behind, Griffith Waratahs.

Final score: Hay 24 (Tries: Tyrelle Jones, Phil Hunter, Dylan Lund, Zane Gash. Goals: Ryan Gash 4) TLU 30.

Awards: Player's player Ethan Harris. Coaches award Jesse Thompson.

First Grade Struggles

The first-grade side was similarly outplayed and was missing key players in Jock Crighton and Simon Parr.

An injury to Harley Hey early in the second half added to the Magpies woes – he had made some punishing runs into Sharks territory before being taken from the field.

The Sharks scored first early in the game, putting Hay on notice that they were making every effort for their small hometown crowd.

They attacked again but were halted by the efforts and speed of Toby Whitehead.

It has become almost expected but the non-stop labours of Hugh Crighton were impressive. He routinely made back-to-back tackles and was threatening with every run of the ball.

Ben Arandt had some solid runs but was most dangerous when he drew defenders before targeting well timed passes.

Zane Gash played his second game of the day and partnered with Shaun Aylett to deliver heavy hitting defence.

At half-time Hay trailed by 12 points, with Whitehead the Magpies only try scorer.

Rex Anare and Will Barens posted some weaving runs, and Anare, Aylett and Arandt each crossed to bring Hay within eight points of the hosts.

TLU was not to be deterred and in the final minutes of the game crossed twice to seal the win.

Final score: Hay 20 (Tries: Toby Whitehead, Rex Anare, Shaun Aylett, Ben Arandt. Goals: Ben Taylor 2) TLU 38.

League Tag Success

The day started well for Hay when the Magpies league tag side played out a grinding four-point win over the Sharks.

Without Hannah Stewart, who was unavailable, Hay forwent the usual kicking game and instead spread the ball wide across the line to pound out the important win.

At marker, Zoe McRae was busy all game, and Lily Weymouth continued to lead from the front. Wendy Gonevulavula's speed kept the Sharks on their toes, and an intercept by Casey Thomson at a vital time in the first half kept the hosts from scoring.

As the only Hay side with a full roster of players this week, the league tag side were served well by Noa Magliocchetti from the bench.

The attacking style of Monica Andrews and youngsters Lily Plum and Larissa Sorensen was valuable in such a tough game.

Karly Fisher broke the line in the second half and raced the length of the field to pull Hay 10 points ahead, but the Sharks posted a late consolation try.

Final score: Hay 10 (tries: Wendy Gonevulavula, Karly Fisher. Goal: Karly Fisher) TLU 6.