That was never more evident in the Yass Soldiers Club Magpies 32-0 loss to the Queanbeyan Blues on Saturday. The Magpies really did not deserve that score line as the side took it right up to the defending premiers in atrocious conditions at Walker Park. 

The Blues, who are red hot favourites to defend their title in 2016, fielded a huge pack of forwards that included former Raider Trevor Thurling and would have expected to run rough shot over the much smaller Yass opposition. 

Also in the Blues favour, was that this was the Magpies third game in eight days, having played Goulburn in a deferred match on the Wednesday prior. So for Yass to put in a performance like they did speaks volumes for all the players’ attitudes.

After a bruising opening to the match, the Blues finally scored the first points mid-way through the first half with an unconverted try. That’s the way it looked like it was going to stay until just before the break when the Blues doubled their tally with another try to lead 8-0 at half time.

The Blues were in again seven minutes after the resumption to lead 14-0 but Yass was not done with yet. The Magpies looked to have scored a legitimate try when winger Trent Gavenlock tiptoed down the sideline but the touch judge ruled the last pass forward in a very contentious decision.

With time running out, 14-0 looked a fair result for both teams but when the Blues piled on three converted tries in the last six minutes, the scoreline unfortunately blew out.

The Yass players should all be very proud of their efforts and there would have been plenty of tired bodies on Saturday night. With nothing but pride to play for, the Magpies could have thrown in the towel pretty early on but stuck to their guns to give the Blues a real fright.

Skipper Scott Naughton tackled everything that moved in his new position at hooker. He really did lead from the front but he did get plenty of help from his team mates. All the forwards deserve praise with Josh Hall and Josh Newling, who both relentlessly toiled away up the centre, being the picks. 

There was no lower grade games due to the appalling conditions.

Queanbeyan Blues 32 def Yass Magpies 0

SWOOP