The Yass Magpies Reserve grade side reclaimed a spot in the top four following a 30-12 win over the Belconnen Sharks last Saturday.

The Magpies looked a class above its opposition for the majority of the game but the ten minutes before and after half time was a cause for concern as the intensity dropped.

Yass raced to a 16-0 lead with little effort to begin the game but found themselves only leading 16-12 early in the second half before clicking into gear again to run away with the match.

The Magpies stamped their authority on the game early with centre Ben Dyball, full back Craig Irwin and winger Jesse Collins all crossing for four pointers and Yass seemed to be cruising. The Sharks then started to get some possession and territory, crossing for a converted try just before and just after halftime to bring themselves right back into the game. The Yass defence looked very ragged with plenty of arm grabbing going on.

Captain/coach Chris Rawlinson then took matters into his own hands slicing through the Sharks defence for a converted try and suddenly the Magpies started to play with a lot more enthusiasm. Irwin and Collins both crossed for their second try and in the end, Yass ran out comfortable winners.

For the locals, Rawlinson led from the front as usual, Dyball had a great game out wide in the greasy conditions, Irwin was forced to pull off a couple of try saving tackles as well as being his usual threat at the back while in the forwards, hooker Ben Griffin and back rowers, Ruben Olah, Kyle Danilczak and Gavin Crisp stood out.

Yass Magpies 30 [Collins 2, Irwin 2, Dyball, Rawlinson Tries, Sparnon 3 Goals] defeated Belconnen Sharks 12.