Congratulations to Captain Coach Frank Compton and his marvelous Magpie team on securing the 2008 Minor Premiership in their division of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League competition with a blockbusting win over second placed Woodberry last Saturday.

Every player was aware it was not going to be an easy affair down on Woodberry’s home ground but all the supporters and team alike knew a win would give the magpies a Minor Premiership, the club’s first in about 20 years.

The platform for the win was set up early with the magpie forwards led by Frank, Daniel Tull, Mitch Turnbull and Willie Hitchcock gaining an early advantage in the centre. The Magpies backs started to fly gaining an early couple of tries to give us an eight-nil lead.

Woodberry fought back to grab a lead of 12 points to eight. At this point the game was in the balance until Dave Parish stamped his authority on the game by scoring a brilliant chip and chase try right on the stroke of half-time to give the magpies a decisive edge going into the second stanza.

The Magpies were never headed again with the final score running out to 38 points to 24.

Dave Parish had his best game of the year; Mick Shultz worried the life out of the Woodberry defence with every touch of the ball; Mick Kellehear played like a man inspired as usual; Scott Young did a tremendous job in defence, and Matt Higgins never took a backward step. From Hayden Tull at half to our custodian Rob Parish and across the park the whole team showed great courage and camaraderie as they have done all year which is a direct result of Frank’s coaching both on and off the field.

It was fantastic to see the sense of achievement on the faces of the players at game’s end. “I have been playing for the Magpies in juniors and seniors for nearly 25 years and finally we have a Minor Premiership” was just one of the remarks overheard. Frank’s words of advice were to “Savour the moment boys and party tonight, but the real competition starts with the semi-final series around the corner. Get to training and stay focused.”