Magpies mauled by Tigers
• Jacob Singline with the match ball after playing his 50th senior game for the Magpies.
By Peter Fish,
MAY 26, 2021
Scottsdale had a significant reality check after ladder leader Longford made light of a trip over the Sideling to win the match by 70 points.
The Magpies went into the match with coach Ethan Petterwood and ruckman Brad Tuffin back in the starting 18, but nothing went to plan. Longford has been the pacesetter in the NTFA all season, and on Saturday night it was obvious why.
The Tigers were superior in every aspect of the match.
They were damaging at the clearances, and especially out of defence they moved the ball with a precision.
In contrast the Magpies lacked the necessary composure to rein in the rampant Longford team.
It took until the third term for Scottsdale to kick a goal, and after half time Longford booted nine goals to just four by the Magpies.
While the outcome did not affect the Magpies’ standing on the ladder, it clearly illustrated the gulf that exists between the top team and the one sitting fifth.
Coach Ethan Petterwood was on the money when he told his players after the match that they have to be more composed and smart.
“Longford was very good. They set up well while we were very average, and obviously we need to go up a level.
“Be disappointed but don’t get negative with your team mates,” he said.
Next week is another major challenge – a trip to Bracknell, which is second on the ladder and has recruited some big names from the north-west coast and beyond.
Bracknell this week, and Rocherlea the week after could well determine the Magpies’ finals aspirations.
The women’s team travelled to Hillwood and came home with a comfortable 27-point victory.
Miranda Oliver, with two goals, played her best game since coming out of retirement, and the classy Maggie Cuthbertson continued her consistent form.
But the highlight of the game was Tess Moore’s first ever goal giving her bragging rights over her husband who maintains he was never allowed out of the backline.
The girls are just out of the five but have only lost one match and are back in their popular Friday night time slot at home this week against Old Launcestonians. The match starts at 7.00pm.
After a big win against George Town, the Reserves came back to earth with a thump against Longford.
Like the seniors they found it difficult to take their chances in front of goal. Jacob Campbell was back for his first match of the season and impressed.
The Under 18s were certainly not disgraced against top team Longford and had more forward entries than any other match this season.
Flinders Island import Xzavier Clifford is now adapting to the pace of the game, while the pacy Liam Hall had plenty of the ball, but unfortunately he kicks for goal like his dad.
Bradley Milne was very good in defence as was Healey Mather. This trio is having a very good season.
SCORES
Seniors
Longford 14.13 (97) d Scottsdale 4.3 (27)
Goals: L Burr, J Lette, J Robinson, S Baker
Best: B Gee, C Young, C Barnes, B Whish-Wilson, L Burr
Women
Scottsdale 6.6 (42) d Hillwood 2.3 (15).
Goals: M Oliver 2, M Cornish, M Cuthbertson, G Dare, T Moore
Best: M Cuthbertson, G Cornish, G Dare, M Oliver, A Hall,
P McLennan
Reserves
Longford 11.10 (76) d Scottsdale 2.6 (18)
Goals: D Goss, T McWatters
Best: J Campbell, L Forsyth, J Hayes, M Nunan, M Bennett,
T McWatters
Under 18s
Longford 14.11 (95) d Scottsdale 4.8 (32)
Goals: D Tomkinson, H Mather, L Hall, B Haas
Best: X Clifford, L Hall, B Milne, H Mather, B Jones, V Russell