Any rugby league reserve grade side that boasts the return of talented players such as Moe Clune and Brad Pocock was always going to be hard to beat, and the Hay Magpies side put on a show for home ground fans.

On Sunday Hay Magpies met Tullibigeal Lakes United (TLU) Sharks in four grades, after a morning of junior rugby league and league tag action.

Coach James Mclean and stalwart Shayne Kennedy worked tirelessly in the off-season and the results showed – the Hay side had so many players on the bench the team ran out of jumpers.

Debutante Blake Grey burst onto the field full of enthusiasm and Zane Gash was outstanding for the full game; both will be young players to watch throughout the season. Digby Lilburn was a surprise inclusion in the team and added size, skill and pace to the pack.

TLU crossed first after enjoying a period of possession before Lloyd Shultz sent a well-timed pass into the arms of Gash, who crossed for Hay.

In a return to footy after several years battling injury, Brad Aylet muscled across the line, but was denied the points after the linesman spotted a foot over the line, and the teams went into the half-time break locked at six-all.

Hay settled into a more structured style of play in the second half and Gash scored his second try for the day. Zac O’Neill was tireless in defence, supported by Luke Deacon and the game turned in Hay’s favour.

As the game wound down Pocock stole the ball from TLU and scored, adding to his tally of three conversion kicks with a try.

Final score: Hay 18 (Tries: Zane Gash 2, goals Brad Pocock 3.) TLU 6.

The league tag game started off the action on Sunday, and the Hay side put on an entertaining match, passing the ball along the line and turning the TLU defence around.

Many players were on debut including Wendy Gonevulavula who quickly became a crowd favourite, as her pace and ball movement drew cheers. She was later awarded players’ player.

Coach Jessie Carter crossed for Hay’s first try of the season, followed by Emma Heywood and Hannah Stewart, whose tries took Hay into the break leading 14 to nil.

Karly Fisher broke the TLU line after the restart and raced away to score what looked like an effortless try.

Younger players Larissa Sorensen and Nicole Blight McKeon stood their ground against older players and performed well, led in defence by Monica Andrews and Zoe McRae.

“(New recruit) Kiji Vantunino proved herself to be a threat in attack, and put herself just where she needed to be,” coach Carter said.

Final score: Hay 20 (Tries: Jessie Carter, Emma Heywood, Hannah Stewart, Karly Fisher. Goals: Wendy Gonevulavula 2) TLU 4.

Most of the league tag side returned to the field for Hay Magpies first ever women’s tackle competition game. The new inclusion in the Group 20 competition is played as rugby league 9s format.

“It was tough. We were trying to find our feet,” coach Carter said. “Hannah Stewart and Imah Navoto were defensive workhorses and in the second half we lifted. As soon as we had the ball, we scored quick tries, and Ashley Starrow pulled off one of the best tackles of the game.

“Wendy Gonevulavula was dangerous in attack, and found space every chance she could.”

After a 20 to nil deficit at half time, it was Gonevulavula who scored Hay’s first Group 20 women’s tackle try. Kiji Vatunino also pushed her way over the line after a line-drive drop out gave Hay good field position.

Final score: Hay 12 (tries: Wendy Gonevulavula, Kiji Vatunino. Goals: Kiji Vatunino, Wendy Gonevulavula) TLU 28.

There was a lot to like about the first-grade squad coaches Ben Taylor and Toby Crighton unveiled on Sunday. Several new faces graced the side and performed well, including powerful forwards Jack Stark, Willie Daucakaka and Jerry Kaulala.

Kynan Headon was safe in the fullback position and gained many metres with each ball return. Toby Whitehead pushed forward and Simon Parr showed his expertise in muffling the TLU attack.

Hay was hampered by penalties in the first half as the team found their feet together but they held their line and the games was played as a grinding, scoreless match for most of the first half. TLU scored after 34 minutes of play to take a narrow 6-point lead into the break.

At half-time Taylor told the Magpies to stick to their game plan and settle the play, but was overall happy with the spirited performance.

TLU scored again before Jerry Nakete busted across the line and Taylor added the vital conversion points.

Just minutes later, speedy centre Siamoni Lewaya scored for Hay but the conversion attempt went awry in slippery conditions. Trailing by two points and with the clock ticking away Hay looked set to snatch the game when a penalty set them up for one final attack at the line after the siren had sounded.

The tables quickly turned however when TLU gained possession and scored a sneaky final try to take the win.

Final score: Hay 10 (Tries: Jerry Nakete, V, Goal: Ben Taylor) TLU 18.

Hay will enjoy another home game this Sunday when they host Yenda Blue Heelers.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 10 April 2024.