Guyra 18

Bottom of the table the Glen Innes Magpies upset top of the table the Guyra Superspuds last Saturday in what was described by some die hard fans as the hardest fought match seen at Mead Park in 13 years.

Guyra scored in the first five minutes of play to take the lead 6-0 and looked to walk all over the Magpies minutes later when an intercept and 80m run set Guyra up for their second. Young superstar Nick Ehsman gave chase and brought the runaway player down short of the line. But quick hands by the Guyra offence and a pass from a player lying on his back saw Guyra nab the points.

After a Guyra player was sent for ten for verbal abuse, the Magpies were able to get on the board via a Jacob Key charge. Neither side was to score for the remainder of the half with Guyra going into the break up 12 points to six.

From the re-start Glen were first to score through the individual effort of Ehsman who dummied his way past four defenders. Daniel Ferris’ conversion saw the scores equalled at 12 a piece.

Minutes later Guyra’s frustration boiled over as Glen’s Mark Ierome copped a cheap blow to the eye after a tackle. The all in brawl that followed saw fellow New Zealand prop Sonny Lavea sent off for being the third man in and forced Glen to play the remaining 30minutes with 12 men. Lavea was slapped with a three-week suspension from the Group 19 disciplinary committee.

With Glen awarded the penalty further advancement was found when junior playmaker Nick Say was tackled head high ten metres out. Captain Coach Sam Key made the decision to take the points. Ferris’ conversion put Glen in the lead 14-12.

Both sides were to trade possession in a battle for ground before Ehsman pulled off another try saver but was tackled in goals for a line drop. After the turnover Glen were awarded a penalty and through another individual effort from Ehsman added to their tally 20 points to 12.

Guyra continued to put pressure on the 12 man defence but a seemingly certain try after a three man Guyra runaway down the wing saw star fullback Mark Muggleton pull off his famous try saving tackle over the sideline.