The Yass Magpies have to break a couple of hoodoos if they want to lift the George Tooke Shield in two weeks.
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After knocking the Bungendore Tigers out on Saturday, the Magpies now have to beat Harden in Harden (preliminary final) and then Binalong in Binalong (grand final) to take out the competition. Recent history is not in Yass' favour with the 'black and whites' winless against both teams in the last two seasons.
Last year, not only did the Australian Hotel Magpies lose all their regular season fixtures to the Hawks and Brahmans but they also lost the preliminary final to Harden in Harden. This year has been eerily familiar in the way it has unfolded, with the Brahmans qualifying for the grand final undefeated; the Magpies winning the minor semi; and the Hawks hosting the preliminary final this Saturday after going down to the Brahmans in the qualifying final. Even the Grand Final will again be staged at Binalong Recreation Oval.
The Magpies will be hoping history doesn't continue to repeat itself because in the corresponding game last year, all their good work unravelled at McLean Oval and they were outclassed 36-4. Despite history being against them, there is no doubt the 'Pies are playing better footy than they were 12 months ago.
The weekend's 18-10 win over the Tigers was a controlled and confident performance. They led 6-4 at halftime after Scott Waters made a break and found back-rower Josh Newling, who beat the fullback to score next to the posts. In the second half Yass kicked clear. Running the ball on last tackle, Brett Waters threw a cut out pass to Ant Broers, who looked to draw the winger but an attempted intercept knocked the ball into the path of Jai Smith, who extended the lead.
Then Joe McDonough put in a chip-kick which Smith ran on to and sprinted 20 metres to bag his double. Tim Regan converted to improve their advantage to 16-4. With 15 minutes remaining the Magpies were totally on top of the arm wrestle and were awarded a penalty 15 metres to the right of the posts, 10 metres out from the Tigers try line. The decision was made to take the two points and Regan made no mistake. Despite leading by more than two converted tries, it was a nervous finish to the game, particularly when the Tigers scored with 10 minutes to go. The Magpies held their nerve though and ground out the 18-10 win to arrange a meeting with the Hawks, who will have to pick themselves up after a taxing loss to the Brahmans.
Both the Magpies and Girlpies will meet Harden at McLean Oval on Saturday for places in the grand final. The touch football begins at 2pm and the rugby league kicks off at 3pm.