The Weekend Wrap

Magpies dispatch Premiers, prepare lesson for Students.

The recent history between West and the Eagles has been as fierce as any you could imagine. Many at Wests have been smarting from last years disappointing end to the season and the subsequent premiership win by East Coast. This theme was addressed by injured Captain Stephen Hudson, in the middle of the ground before the start of the qualifying final on Saturday. The Magpies have applied themselves on a few of the big occasions this year and took a steely air of determination into the game at Blacktown.

They started brightly with the aid of the breeze, winning the ball out of the middle and bounded away to a 5 goals to 1 early lead. This has been a feature of their games this year, one they must continue to produce in the coming weeks. The Eagles are a proud side however, and they responded with 2 goals to end the quarter leaving the score 39 -21 to the Magpies. The boys were disappointed in allowing the Eagles to score those late goals and this provided a spur to a big effort against the wind. Bad kicking for goal 1.4 to 3.0 straight however gave the Eagles a flattering 10 point deficit at halftime.

Coach Craig Tognolini calmed his team, re-enforcing the fact that they had had the majority of the play although the score was tight. They responded with a 7 goals to 1 quarter to go in 48 points up at ¾ time. Dave Linsen was outstanding in the middle of the ground, complimenting the great ruckwork of Joel Minichiello and Daryn Creswell kicked 2 fantastic goals to take the match out of the Eagles grasp. Rohan Lilly roamed the ground taking mark after mark, running the ball into attack with eye catching bursts of running and his recruitment into the side has been crucial to its improvement. Youngster Blake Bray also showed a lot of dash and kicked 3 goals and could of kicked a few more if not for errant kicking. He is showing a few people just what he can do when given space to run and attack the goals.

In the last quarter the boys gave a few supporters heart seizures allowing the Eagles to attack with the wind but eventually stood firm and, surprisingly, ran down the clock in impressive fashion to run out convincing 31 point victors. Dan Lambert and Medir Kassem were the standouts in the backline saving the Canterbury Hospital emergency department any extra work.

The Magpies now set themselves for the task of taking on the table topping Students of Sydney University for a spot in the Grand Final. The Students had better have taken plenty of notes for the coming examination.

Many thanks must go to the support staff, Timekeeper Barbara Dickin, Head Trainer Bruce Hunter, Physio Brendan Di Losa, and Trainer Russell "Muss" Penton, Runner Craig "Gummies" Francis and Masseuse Anna Kolomycki and her students for their wonderful efforts this year. Nat Taylor on the BBQ and Rochelle & Dayna Polley in the canteen have also given loyal service.

The supporters bus leaves the Licenced club at 40 Hampton Street, Croydon Park at 12 noon Saturday for Bruce Purser Reserve, please book early on 9797-0347 to secure a seat.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs     15.11 101   def  
East Coast Eagles   10.10 70
Goalkickers: B.Bray, D.Linsen 3, D.Cresswell, M.Withers, D.Watkins, E.Kassem 2, K.Cochrane 1
Best: J.Minichiello, D.Linsen, R.Lilly, D.Creswell, D.Lambert, M.Kassem

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Strong finish to the year signals "game on" for the finals.

The blustery winds at Henson Park last week were nothing in comparison to those at North Dalton Oval on Saturday as Western Suburbs completed their preparations for the upcoming Sydney AFL Finals series. The worst of it dissipated however by the time the First Grade kicked off on a cold evening at 6pm.

The Magpies came out determined to put on a show and 9 goals in the first quarter certainly gave their supporters some welcome entertainment. There was little to play for in terms of results as earlier in the day top team Sydney Uni had easily won their encounter with St.George and clinched the minor premiership. There was however an individual goal for Full Forward Matt Eurell to win the Goalkicking Medal and the boys gave him every opportunity by dominating the centre clearances.

Eid Kassem put in a terrific display and Brenton "Spud" Mumme, Cal McGuirk, David Clout and Kris Cochrane warmed up nicely for the finals with prominent contributions. Matt Withers was strong in the air and kicked truly in front of goal to sound a daunting warming to his opponents in the upcoming games.

Matt Eurell capped off a fine year by not letting his teammates down and booting 5 goals to surpass Jamie Vlatko of the East Coast Eagles and take the goalkicking prize. "Trough" had a huge smile on his face after the game which will only be matched by the one he will have if he manages to get a few more this week against East Coast Eagles in the Qualifying Final.

The side is much improved this year in all facets and with last years' disappointment still fresh in their minds, has a steely determination to achieve its goals.

Many thanks must go to the support staff, Timekeeper Barbara Dickin, Head Trainer Bruce Hunter, Physio Brendan Di Losa, Trainer Russell "Muss" Penton, Runner Craig "Gummies" Francis and Masseuse Anna Kolomycki and her students for their wonderful efforts this year. Nat Taylor on the BBQ and Rochelle Polley in the canteen have also given loyal service.

Bring on the Eagles!

It's now game on!

Final Scores
Western Suburbs         17.6 108   def
Wollongong              6.7 43
Goalkickers: M.Eurell 5, M.Withers 4, C.Lees 2, B.Bray 2, E.Kassem,  J.Minichiello, C.McGrath ,  B.Mumme, K.Cochrane 1
Best: E.Kassem,  B.Mumme, M.Withers, M.Eurell, D.Clout, C.McGuirk

Our Reserve Grade had to battle the worst of the blustery winds and unfortunately couldn't quite come to terms with them. Errant kicking for goal prevented them from finishing the year on a winning note however nothing can be taken away from Coach Brian Crouch in once again avoiding the dreaded prospect of relegation and the boys have been more than competitive at times. "Crouchy" being the competitor that he is did stress to a number of players after the game that they need to set their goals of senior football higher next year as they are more than capable of better.

The game represented what may have been Crouchys' last as Reserve Grade Coach and a better contribution to the club you would not find anywhere. His dedication and determination are without peer.

Many Thanks also to Physio Mark Lonnon and Runner Brent Lear for their efforts and I'm sure they will all be out supporting the First Grade in the Finals.

Final Scores:
Reserve Grade
Western Suburbs 4.11 35 def by
Wollongong         6.6 42
Best Players: S.McWilliam, P.Willmot, K.Cott, , D.Green, A.Green, S.Lear

Our U18's celebrated a much improved season with a victory over The Lions and they have made great strides this year from the side that finished wooden spooners last year. To finished sixth is a good result and they should now set themselves for greater goals next year. 

The un-earthing of a number of talented players in Matt Lemme, Seamus Pearson, Fergus McFarlane, Yanni Milligan-Saville, Christien Specha, Brad Whitfield and Jarryd Polley will see the senior ranks of the Magpies stay strong into the future and this is particularly gratifying given we have only one Junior team (Our Own) in our pathway.

Coaches Lee Urquhart & Dave Polley, Manager Sandra Pavone, Runner Richard Pearson and the many parents who helped out with match day duties and the washing of jumpers are very gratefully thanked for their efforts.

U18’s
Western Suburbs 9.5 59 def
Wollongong              6.6 42
Best Players: Y.Milligan-Saville, B.Whitfield, D.Cosenza, P.Maxwell,  M.Lemme, J.Polley

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Jeckyl and Hyde effort from Magpies.

In the blustery wind that pervaded Henson Park on Saturday Western Suburbs produced a strange Jeckyll and Hyde performance to down the UNINSW/ES Bulldogs by 51 points.

Starting off with a strong dominating first quarter the Magpies looked like they were tuning up nicely with the finals approaching, completely dominating the team that put them out of the finals last year. The 6 goals 5, 41 to 1 point quarter reinforced just how dominant they were with the youngsters Lynne Roehrig, Brenton “Spud” Mumme and Marcus Linsen showing the way and only errant kicking for goal prevented the margin being greater. Young Jack Barret celebrated his rising star nomination by also standing out , driving the ball into the forward line time and again. Towards the second half of the second quarter however, the Magpies went to sleep and went back into their bad habits, giving away silly 50m penalties and this handed momentum back to the Bulldogs who took the gifts with glee.

The third quarter saw the Bulldogs wipe away the deficit and at one stage early in the last quarter drew to within 4 points. The Vodka Mojito slushies in the ladies tent all of a sudden became very popular with the Wests President working overtime, nervously drinking quite a few himself. The side has got to learn not to be goaded into reacting and retaliation as this only works against it. The values of discipline and team first are what everyone right down to the lowest reserve grader has to adhere to at all times. Thankfully the boys found the necessary form to put in a devastating last 15 minutes kicking 9 goals to completely restore the order of the first quarter and a half. It was as if they didn’t play the whole middle of the game and this cannot happen in September.

A big thank-you to all the businesses who donated discounts and vouchers for our Ladies day  namely the Croydon Park Laser Clinic, ANC Health in Petersham, AEK Massage Therapy and the Marketplace rewards card people along with the Nivea gift bags which all the Ladies present on the day received.

Next week sees our last game down at the Gong with the U18’s starting at 2pm followed by Reserve Grade at 4pm and First Grade at 6pm.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs     19.14 128   def  
UNINSW/ES       12.5 77
Goalkickers: D.Cresswell, M.Eurell 4, A.Eurell, M.Withers, B.Bray 2, J.Minichiello, D.Clout ,  B.Mumme, D.Linsen, K.Cochrane 1
Best:  J.Minichiello, B.Mummue, J.Barret, K.Cochrane, S.Hudson, M.Linsen

Our Reserve Grade and U18’s both had terrific wins making it 3 from 3 on the day and a very pleasing result. Coach Brian Crouch has done a tremendous job with the “Twos” battling injuries and a very different side each week to avoid relegation and finish the season strongly. Similarly Coaches Lee and Dave have overseen a marked improvement in our U18’s fortunes taking a wooden spoon side from last year to a much more successful team this year and congratulations must go to all those involved.

Final Scores:
Reserve Grade
Western Suburbs 13.7 85 def
UNINSW/ES         4.8 32
Best Players: C.McGuirk, M.Breakwell, P.Chachaty, D.Coughlin, D.Green, A.Green

U18’s
Western Suburbs 11.14 80 def
UNINSW/ES             5.1 31
Best Players: S.Pearson, R.Bamford, F.McFarlane, M.Lemme, N.Armstrong, J.Polley

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Strong performance sees Magpies regain form as finals loom.

In the second Foxtel Match of the week in succession, the Magpies took on traditional foes the North Shore Bombers. The Bombers have always saved their best for the Magpies and the round one clash was no exception with Wests, despite enjoying a healthy lead for most of the game, falling in by 4 points. It looked as is things were going to be just as tough as the Bombers jumped out to an early lead with only their poor kicking for goal allowing Wests to remain in relatively close touch at quarter time. The Magpies turned up the heat in the second quarter with the midfield especially stopping Norths run and carry and the backline choking their opponents of any opportunity.

Down forward the return of Gun Matty Withers and the recovery from injury of Darryn Cresswell provided the impetus for the Magpies to take control and they never relented. Medair Kassem won a heap of contested ball, more than covering for the loss of Dwain Watkins, Rohan Lilly marked everything complimenting the hard work of Skipper Stephen Hudson, Chris Noordhof and Lynne Roehrig who continually returned the Bombers attacks with interest.

It is worth noting that the Magpies have, and this may be some sort of league record, 4 sets of brothers playing in the same team – the Lambert brothers Tim and Daniel, Eid and Medair Kassem, Matt and Andy Eurell and Dave and Marcus Linsen. They have also been joined by Cousins Jarryd and Scott Lear which really does show just how much Wests is the family club.

This week sees our final home game of the season at Henson Park on Saturday and as such it is Western Suburbs Ladies Day. Everyone is invited to come down and enjoy the cocktails and the many giveaways kindly donated by businesses in the Croydon Park area and I’m sure there will be lots of smiling faces. The frivolities start around midday, so don’t miss out! There is not truth to the rumours that Anneliese Braakensiek and Graeme Gooch will be presenting prizes from the Croydon Park Laser Clinic!

A big thank-you must also go to our major sponsors Westsbet, Abbotts Locksmiths, Easypayroll and Elders Inner West, along with our loyal supporters and volunteers, who have remained steadfast in these trying economic times.

See you at the game.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs      15.13 103   def
North Shore               8.14 62

Goalkickers: D.Cresswell 6, M.Withers 4, M.Eurell 2, D.Clout ,  B.Mumme, E.Kassem, 1
Best: M.Kassem, L.Roehrig, M.Withers, R.Lilly, S.Hudson, C.Noordhof

Thank-you all,

Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Lacklustre Magpies retain shield.

In a dour game that certainly failed to live up to any great heights, Western Suburbs outlasted the Demons from Pennant Hills to retain the Blacktown Mayoral shield for another year. On a sunny, if somewhat blustery day, both teams struggled to master the conditions producing a game that was hard to watch.

Penno put players behind the ball and tried to run the ball out against the Magpies who took a long time to work out a way around the resolute Demons defence. The game had shades of some of St.Kilda’s dour war of attrition efforts but gradually West’s wrestled control of the game to run out 21 point victors.

A fine game by Joel Minichielo who led up the field providing an option turned the game in the Magpies favour. His booming left foot kicks into the forward line gaining the necessary advantage. Dwain Watkins was also strong in the centre and is never beaten over the ball. Lynn Roehrig and Marcus Linsen were reliable in the back half and Skipper Stephen Hudson, Kris Cochrane and Dave Linsen dominated in patches but perhaps a solid week of training was to blame for the lacklustre effort.

There are 3 games left before the finals and Coach Craig Tognolini urged every player to make sacrifices for the cause to ensure the right result is achieved on September 18th. This week sees the Magpies renew acquaintances with the North Shore Bombers which is always eagerly anticipated by those loyal Pie fans with eye for history.

Special mention must also go to the support staff and Nat Taylor in particular who have put in a tremendous effort in the last few weeks in the canteen catering at three different fixtures – their reward will be victory in September and all the players will want to give them that.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs      9.9 63   def
Pennant Hills             6.6 42

Goalkickers: R.Lilly, E.Kassem, C.Lees 2,  D.Linsen, K.Cochrane, D.Watkins 1
Best: J.Minichielo, D.Watkins, L.Roehrig, D.Linsen, M.Kassem, S.Hudson

The Reserve Grade went into the game against Pennant Hills with some confidence after a fine win over the Eagles and after an even first quarter were expected to go close to winning again. The second quarter was a let down though, the boys allowing the Demons to stretch out to a 6 goal lead at Half time. They must have been a fair spray by Coach Brian Crouch because their third quarter was fantastic. The backline closed their opponents down and then ran through the middle and except for a couple of missed shots at goal could have led at the last change.

Special mentions must go to Dave Green, Pat Willmot, Michael Stokes and Scott Lear. One goal down and with momentum in their favour the Magpies prospects looked as bright as the improving weather. However the Demons were not done with and failure to run out the game cost Wests dearly.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs      8.11 59    def by
Pennant Hills             13.10 88

Goalkickers: C.McGuirk 2, M.Prins, J.Sarkodee, J.Lane, M.Breakwell, C. Drum 1
Best: D. Green, M.Stokes, P.Willmot, M.Breakwell, C.Drum, S.Lear

Thank-you all,

Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Single minded Magpies too good for Eagles.

A beautiful winter’s day was on hand for the much anticipated clash between last year’s premiers the East Coast Eagles and Western Suburbs. Many at West’s were finding it hard to remember just when was the last time the Magpies had emerged victorious over the Eagles. So it was with a determined mindset that the Magpies set themselves for this task. Coach Craig Tognolini asked the players at the end of last weeks game to set their minds to beat the premiers and a pre game speech from Captain Stephen Hudson made sure every player was ready to deliver.

The first quarter was a very tight affair, West’s opened with the first 2 goals which the Eagles replied with 3 of their own and at the first change it was the Eagles by a point. West’s were having trouble finding targets in their forward 50 with the absences of Matt Withers, Rohan Lilly, Joel Minichielo and Darryn Creswell placing a lot of burden on Chris Lees and Matt Eurell.

However, a terrific second quarter by the men in Black and White saw them gain an advantage they would never relinquish. Big Billy Lafferty dominated the centre bounces and Dwain Watkins, Dave Linsen and Brenton Mumme proved too strong in clearing the ball out of the centre. Kris Cochrane provided great run out wide and with young gun Blake Bray roaming up the ground, up stepped Chris Lees to kick 7 goals for the game. Matt Eurell also kicked 4 and was always dangerous around goals ensuring a well deserved victory.

The forward line pressured the Eagles into turnovers and the backline were terrific again led by Fullback Dave Cusick, unanimously awarded man of the match by his teammates. Irishman Shane D’Arcy also highlighted his value to the side with a reliable performance.

The Magpies will now enjoy a bye this week which will include some serious training sessions as they set themselves for the last 4 games before the finals. The next game is the annual Blacktown Mayoral shield match against Pennant Hills, a team we lost to in the first round. West’s are the inaugural winners of the shield and will not be keen to hand it over to the Demons. The boys are in great form and hopes are very high amongst the Magpie faithful this year.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs     15.13 103   def  
East Coast Eagles   8.11 59
Goalkickers: C.Lees 7, M.Eurell 4, S.Hudson,  D.Linsen, K.Cochrane, D.Watkins 1
Best: D.Cusick, D.Watkins, D.Linsen, C.Lees, S.D’Arcy, B.Lafferty

The Reserve Grade side again bounced back from a heavy defeat with a great 4 quarter performance to down the Eagles. This was a terrific result for Brian Crouch’s men and ensured a degree of safety from the bottom rungs of the ladder and the threat of relegation. The side is now looking forward to getting some players back into the side in the next 4 weeks and their results will no doubt improve.

Jordan Sarkodee produced his best game for the year to kick 4 goals. A few in the crowd thought it was because of the 2 very attractive young women who had come to lend their support so we will have to make sure they come to the next game. Kagan Cott was great around the ground, ably supported by Scott and Jarryd Lear and Jamie Scott was terrific in the air marking everything.

Young Pat Willmot repelled every Eagles move and is having a very good year in defence. His consistency would have to have him as a favourite in the Best & Fairest. Special mention must go to Jarryd Lear, who played very well in Reserves and then backed up in First Grade and also contributed strongly – a fantastic clubman.

Final Score
Western Suburbs 10.7 67 def
East Coast Eagles 4.7 31
Goalkickers: J.Sarkodee 4, C.McGrath 2, E.Doherty, J.Lewis, S.McWilliam, D.Coughlin 1
Best: K.Cott, S.Lear, D.Cullen, J.Lear P.Willmot J.Scott

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Wests complete preparations for big match.

Frequently during this modern era Wests have had to endure many a football lesson at the hands of the Campbelltown Blues. Having witnessed quite a few of them first hand, I can testify to their awful nature. Campbelltown have had a crippling run with injuries of late and their results have fallen away dramatically. They were very competitive in the first round but just how crippling their injury toll was, was evident right from the start on Saturday.

Wests took their time in the first quarter to take control but once they established it they never relented. The habit of switching off and cruising has been a recent problem for the Magpies but at last the men in black and white have resolved to crush their opposition with one eye towards the end of the year.

This week sees us line up against reigning premiers East Coast Eagles, a team that has been our nemesis for quite some time, and Coach Craig Tognolini made a point of reinforcing that to his charges after the game. The side is missing  a few of its stars at the moment but this has not effected the quality of its game and the midfield set the tone with Brenton Mumme and Kris Cochrane standouts combining with the strength of Dave Linsen and Eid Kassem to overwhelm the Blues and give them little chance of scoring.

The backline should also be commended in only allowing their opposition to score 4 goals in two games – an outstanding achievement. Very few of them are ever named in the team of the week or given places on the all star team but you won’t find many Wests people who would swap them for any of the opposition backs. Full back Dave Cusick has been the recruit of the year, Tim Lambert uncompromising, Skipper Stephen Hudson has started to overcome his injuries, Lynne Roehrig and Marcus Linsen the two young guns and Medair Kassem is very rarely beaten and it is these boys we will look to, to provide the impetus for the victory we all yearn for this weekend.

See you at this huge game.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs     26.15 171   def  
Campbelltown   1.4  10

Goalkickers: M.Eurell 6, D.Cresswell 5, E.Kassem 4, C.Lees 3, B.Absolum B.Mumme 2, D.Watkins M.Linsen K.Cochrane T.Lambert 1
Best: B.Mumme, K.Cochrane, E.Kassem, D.Cresswell, M.Eurell, M.Kassem

Thank-you all,

Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Magpies bounce back with big win.

A bright sunny winter afternoon greeted the Magpies as they travelled to Drummoyne Oval for the return clash with Balmain. The Dockers have certainly shown some improvement of late and with the disappointment of last weeks loss to The Students still smarting Wests were keen to get back on the front foot. The loss of two of its biggest tars in Matthew Withers (Knee) and Rohan Lilly (3 weeks Suspension) also gave cause for some anxiety but the team produced a 4 quarter effort in the swirling wind at Drummoyne Oval. 

The return of Ruckman Billy Lafferty and the first game of the year for young gun Blake Bray, who has been playing very well for The GWS TAC Cup side, gave the Magpies the boost they needed. The second games for Daniel Lambert and Shane D’Arcy, who have both been overseas, also proved invaluable. David Linsen played his best game of the year continually driving the ball out of the centre and even bobbing up in the last quarter to kick some goals. His return to the side this year has been terrific and it is a credit to him how he has been able to get his on-field and off-field affairs on track and going smoothly.

The backline continues to excel and held Balmain to only 3 goals for the day. Local boys Lynne Roehrig and Marcus Linsen continue to excel and both are a credit to our Junior Club and our un-heralded backline has been the standout this year. Brenton Mumme and Kris Cochrane also played well in what was a very good overall team performance.

Final Score
Western Suburbs     17.23 125   def  
Balmain       3.11 29

It has been a difficult year for our Reserve Grade boys to date with injuries and un-availabilities playing a big role in their poor results but on the weekend the boys produced a performance for the ages to outplay Manly and hold on for a 10 point win. Manly are a side in the top 5 and, despite Wests playing over at Manly by themselves with no other support, the boys recorded a much needed win.

Credit must go to Brian Crouch for getting the team up for the game and it was unanimous that there was no stand-out best player but that it was a team effort and that is fantastic - well done! The side is definitely going to benefit from some senior players returning from injury in the coming weeks and all at the club are keen for the Two’s to continue with this weeks form.

Final Score
Western Suburbs     9.5 59 def
Manly          7.7 49

The Under 18’s also had a terrific win which made it a very pleasant day all round after the terrible one of the week before. Football is certainly a funny game, out-house one week, Penthouse the next. Lee Urquharts’ side enjoyed the return of Jack Barret and Matthew Lemme to the side from Senior duties and this propelled the side to a terrific win over Riverview.

The side never looked in danger and Shane Aitchison played his best game belying his small frame to take some spectacular marks across half back. Matt Lemme showed his undoubted class at Centre Half forward and Christien Specha continues to provide a telling target upfront. Robbie Bamford was a strong physical presence and Fergus McFarlane produced a silky performance in the midfield and when he gets the ball looks very accomplished. The presence of tall youngsters Josh Zoppo and John Haggerty also gave the supporters a taste of the terrific talent our Junior club is producing.

Final Score
Western Suburbs     11.9 75 def
Riverview         9.4 58

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Magpies surrender Peter Ramus cup.

A bitterly cold afternoon at Henson Park greeted both teamsas they met for the annual clash for the Peter Ramus Cup. Peter was a former president of Wests Juniors and a significant contributor to Sydney University who passed away from cancer two years ago and it is fitting that he is remembered in this way.

The game was very willing from the start and with Uni kicking with the breeze they established a small lead at quarter time. The second quarter they really stepped up their running game and the Magpies let themselves down badly by conceding easy goals to contentious umpiring and 50 metre penalties. Darryn Creswell was yellow carded for some dubious high contact in the centre square and the just prior to the half time siren the game erupted to a near riot. Big Rohan Lilly took a sensational pack mark and was then roughed up on the ground as the siren sounded. Instead of being awarded a 50 metre penalty and a shot at goal, the umpires did nothing and with the crowd and Wests players understandably upset they yellow carded Lilly for abusive language. The game was boiling over and Coach Tognolinin was seething but nonetheless had to calm his charges and stop them incurring unnecessary penalties which was working against them.

The third quarter with their backs against the wall saw the Magpies lift and young Marcus Linsen showed the way. His form has been outstanding of late and thrown into the centre he fired the Magpies who clawed their way back into the game only to concede 2 late goals at the end of the quarter.

The 30 point margin at ¾ time had the Magpies under pressure and the coach asked for the side to show some heart in the last quarter. They responded with Ben Absolum using his lightning speed up forward kicking 5 goals Wests nearly stole the game. It was not to be however and the 10 point final margin underlied the problems the team had got itself into in the first half.

Syney Uni showed significant improvement from the first round encounter and deserved their first grasp of the Peter Ramus cup, but the Magpies will go home with revenge in their hearts.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs     10.10 70   def  by
Sydney University   12.8 80
Goalkickers: B.Absolum 6, R.Lilly, M.Lemme, M.Kassem, M.Eurell 1
Best: M.Linsen, J.Minichielo, B.Absolum,  M.Kassem, R.Lilly, E.Kassem

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC

Magpies continue march towards finals.

A fine but very windy afternoon at Olds Park greeted Western Suburbs as they embarked on the start to the second half of the year. After the mid season break the Magpies were looking to keep the march towards the finals going as they took on the youthful Saints.

The match started in very difficult conditions for both sides and as the players took time to come to terms with the wind gusting across the ground the scores remained fairly tight. Gradually though the more experienced Magpies were able to stretch their lead and the goalkicking tandem of Matt Eurell and Darryn Cresswell clicked into gear. The Backline ably led by Skipper Stephen Hudson, provided the platform for many attacking forays with youngsters Marcus Linsen and Lynn Roehrig continuing their stellar seasons. These two young stars have just come back from playing in the development representative team and they are certainly improving every game. Medair Kassem and Big Rohan Lilly also provided the stonewall defence that the plucky Saints just could not breach and the midfield of Brenton Mumme, Dave Linsen and Kris Cochrane gave the forwards plenty of opportunities that in the end contributed to a solid win.

Final Scores
Western Suburbs     15.12 102   def  
St.George        7.5 47
Goalkickers: M Eurell 5, D.Cresswell 4, B.Absolum 3. M.Withers 2, E.Kassem 1
Best: M.Linsen,  L.Roehrig, M.Kassem, R.Lilly, D.Linsen, B.Mumme

Thank-you all,
Andrew Taylor President WSAFC