Magpies’ nemesis strikes again

CELEBRATING the 10-year reunion of their undefeated 2015 Senior Premiership team, Dalyston Recreation Reserve was a hive of activity for the season opener. Holding high hopes of improvement after a solid pre-season the Magpies hosted traditional opponents Koo Wee Rup for their round one contest.

Kicking into the wind in the first term Dalyston looked fluent with their ball use. Kyle Kirk and Mitch Hallahan were in everything early while the mercurial Hayden Wallace proved his worth slotting the first two goals to set the Magpies into gear.

The Demons answered later with majors to Muratore and Matt Voss to close the margin to a single point at the first bell.  

The contest escalated early in the second term with the ball pinging from end to end.

Magpie back flanker Fraser West had the crowd on their feet after slotting a goal and further goals to Carew and Wallace kept the vibe alive. The home team’s pressure acts were causing turnovers with Ben Lewis and Joe Alexander rallying the back line to repel many Koo Wee Rup forays.  

Matt Voss snuck one back against the tide but Wallace completed the winning quarter nailing his fourth.

The Demons having knocked over Dalyston comfortably in the previous couple of years were not prepared to lie down.  Once again, they proved to be up to the challenge. Trailing by 20 points at half-time Koo Wee Rup turned the game with a four-goal third term. 

Bateman and Glen were providing plenty of drive allowing Muratore, Nathan Voss and Tim Miller to score majors and their efforts levelled the scores at the final break. 

With the game in the balance, the visitors struck first on resumption with two goals to Miller handing his team a 13-point buffer. 

Magpie recruit Cale Love-Linay iced a Wallace pinpoint pass to give the Pies a sniff which was countered by Muratore splitting the middle from the boundary 50 metres out.

With the clock heading into time-on O’Toole converted a late one but Dalyston’s determined efforts to reel in the deficit were all in vain and Koo Wee Rup recorded a creditable ten-point victory.

Both sides will have their mettle tested in round two. Dalyston face Nar Nar Goon as they unfurl their 2024 Premiership flag and the Demons line up against Tooradin Dalmore.