AT QUARTER time last Saturday, the Ungarie Magpies Seniors must’ve thought they were a real chance.
Down by just 11 points after a fiercely contested opening stanza, the Magpies had booted three majors to Tulli’s five but were well and truly in the contest at that point and daring to dream. Sadly, no one from Tullibigeal read the script and by half time, the Grasshoppers had extended their lead to 59 points on the back of an eight goal blitz led by Alex Jones, who finished with five for the game and supported admirably by Bobby Jones and Brant Frankel who each bagged four.
The Maggies were brave but sadly it wasn’t enough against a well-drilled cohesive side that will be hard to beat no matter who they play.
Ungarie’s usual suspects were in the thick of it again with messrs Koop and Keatley finishing with three and two goals respectively while Flynn Bryant and Damian Batty also tried hard.
Angus Williams was busy while Michael Rothnie did what he could to fire up his teammates with some good touches as well. Despite their efforts, and a third term that saw both teams kick four each, the lead swelled to 63 going into the final term.
Josh Roscarel was brave again and barely put a foot wrong but the Magpies were out-muscled by a Tulli side that is fast emerging as a genuine dark horse for this year’s flag.
The packed Lake crowd were treated to some great defence and sublime skill from the Grasshoppers and if they maintain this form they will certainly be a handful for the rest of the competition. For the Magpies, it was a gallant 2025 season and a strong showing. While they didn’t get the chocolates, the club can be super proud of their efforts this year and will be optimistic about 2026.
Tomorrow will see Hillston play Lake with the winner to go through to the decider. The two sides have been the stand outs all year and will want nothing more than to get a winning edge over their rivals heading into the grand final. For the loser, a knock out prelim awaits against the Grasshoppers next week.
In other grades tomorrow, WW-G Bulldogs will play in the14s while Ungarie will lace up in the 17s.
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