Tamworth Rugby Football Club are seeking applications for the following coaching and managers positions in 2018:

- 1st Grade

- Reserve Grade

- Under 19's

- Under 17's

- Ladies

Email coaching resume and cover letter to: henry_da@bigpond.com

Applications close 5.00pm Friday 13 October 2017

Match Report

First Grade

Tamworth took a slightly under strength side to Gunnedah to take on the Red Devils at Gunnedah Rugby Park. Conditions proved to be good for running rugby with the sun shining for the Red Devils ladies day.

Tamworth got off to a shaky start letting the Red Devils run in a couple of tries early through poor defense and missed tackles. Gunnedah’s outside center proved to be the Magpies biggest task, running in 4 tries during the match.

Gunnedah showed their talent pressuring the Tamworth attack, turning over ball and captialising on mistakes.

The Magpies banded together to salvage some pride and put together a good string of phases to keep the Red Devils on their own line. The dam waters finally broke when number 8 Jack barker crashed over in the last play of the game.

Tamworth finished a hard day out going down to Gunnedah 50 – 5.

Reserve Grade

Tamworth travelled to Gunnedah for this third-round match, both teams have been going well and a close match was expected. Tamworth began slowly and Gunnedah dominated possession and territory to open the scoring out wide 0-5. Almost from the kick off they were back on the attack and were rewarded with a penalty goal 0-8.

Finally, some ball and field position allowed Tamworth to get on the board with a strong burst from a tap near the line and Michael Pearce crashed over wide out for an unconverted try. 5-8.

Scrapping play and an inability to maintain the ball at the breakdown hampered the Tamworth backline who looked dangerous with a limited supply of ball.

Gunnedah almost scored under the posts before a quick-thinking Kieran McHugh stole the ball on his own tryline and ran 50 metres before passing to Blake Clout who scored under the sticks for Adam Penman to convert.12-8.

Gunnedah replied with a try soon after from close range 12-13.

Adam Penman then burst through the defence and ran 25 metres to score a good individual try to make the half time score 17-13. Half time failed to inject the urgency which the Magpies were lacking and they let in a soft try with basic errors 17-18.

The match settled into a war of attrition until a penalty goal kicked the reds out to 17-21.

Tamworth still looked like snatching the result especially when centres Isaac Woodbury and Charles Sherwood had the ball, but they were pinned in their half for a long period.

Finally, Gunnedah scored a converted try from hard forward work. 17 – 28

Scorers Michael Pearce, Blake Clout and Adam Penman tries Adam Penman conv.

Best and fairest 3 Charles Sherwood 2 Isaac Woodbury 1 Kieran McHugh and Adam Penman

Match Report

First Grade

Tamworth had a slow start against last year's grand finalist Narrabri in a muddy home ground affair, but finished with a strong second half in front of a big ladies' day crowd.

It took just three minutes for Narrabri to score after Tamworth dropped the ball from the kick off. For the next 20 minutes Narrabri continued to punch forward, and got an excellent roll on, which lead to a 19-nil lead. It took until mid-way through the half for Tamworth to get into the arm wrestle and were rewarded with a penalty to flyhalf Adam Penman before half time to make the score 19-3.

With the Tamworth ladies looking on, the team rallied in the second half in what was their best performance of the season so far. They dominated possession and field position, camping down in Narrabri's half for long periods of time and were rewarded with a try to halfback Billy Urquhart.

The Magpies were unlucky not to come away with more points, with the ball often going to ground when the Blue Boar's were vulnerable. To their credit, Narrabri's defence was outstanding and withstood continuous phases.

Missed one-on-one tackles led to a couple of tries against the run of play, which sealed a 31-10 victory for the Boars, but Grub was extremely pleased with his side's performance, which was a massive improvement to previous rounds. He said Billy Urquhart, flanker Jack Barker, centre Kieran McHugh were among the team's best

Reserve Grade

A soggy Rugby Park greeted the visiting Narrabri Blue Boars for the big Ladies day clash with the Tamworth Magpies.

The reserve grade clash started with a now familiar theme for the team with a dropped kick off and Narrabri were straight onto the attack. Unlike last week the Magpies were up for this game and the defence was quick and effective. Play soon had the Tamworth team retaining the ball and on the attack in the blue boars red zone for 15 mins but could not score due to good defence and the odd handling error.

Narrabri weathered the storm then broke out and persistent forward pressure lead to the number 8 bursting through close to the ruck to score an unconverted try. The Magpies ground their way back onto the attack with their scrum being very effective, young prop Zac Cutmore leading the way. Good passing along the backline saw a rampaging Dylan Cross score to level the scores at 5 all 22 minutes into the game.

Play ebbed and flowed until a good short passing movement lead to Narrabri scoring near the posts 5 – 12 at oranges. Some fresh legs at halftime and the ruck defence tweaked had Tamworth in command for long periods but unable to crack the strong defence.

Dylan Cross then burst through but with the line open lost control of the ball. Shortly after the pressure told and Charles Sherwood got his inspector gadget arm working to touch down with two defenders trying to hold him out 10 – 12.

Narrabri were pressing the line when the magpies’ backs put Cross away again only for the last pass to go down missing another certain try. Pat Strong then missed a penalty shot.

Another penalty and captain Ben Roughley stepped up and nailed the 3 points with 12 minutes to go. 13 – 12. Both sides were desperate to score but the defence was equal to the task and the Magpies hung on for a well-earned win with contributions from the full squad.

Point scorers Tries Dylan Cross and Charles Sherwood with penalty goal to Ben Roughley. Best and Fairest 3. Zac Cutmore 2. Henry Noble and Ben Coombes 1. Ben Roughley

Under 19s

Finally the boys get to play rugby,

Provided a try scoring feast against Narrabri, 52 to 24. Unfortunately our opponents arrived with only 14 men so as requested it had to be 14 aside, ad an injury or two the numbers progressed lower as the game went on.

The Magpie forwards definitely set the platform through out the game promoting clean ball and great opportunity for the new improved back line to perform. Tries to Jack Murry, Adam Wallace, Jack Hannaford, and Cooper Thompson (with a fine cameo appearance) Angus Lang and new recruit Sam Gray.

Here we go across the creek to take on Pirates this week end.

Under 16s

The players were ready to take revenge from the hiding they received in Narrabri on the 20th May. The young Magpies were magnificent. The highlight of the game for the coaches was the players’ goal line defence. It was outstanding, late in the game by sustained attacks from Narrabri.

Congratulations to our new players, Tom Croake, Braydyn Finlay, Rowan Stathan, Mitch Bowen, Kelby Mclean, Lachlan O’Keefe, Harry Snook and Mitchell Watts. All fitted into our pattern of play and defended like demons and supported their mates. Super Effort!!!!!

The forwards got the ball moving in the right direction for our backs to attack on many occasions.

Our Pack leaders were Jake Urquhart and Barry Lane supported by Riley Catts, Ethan Smith, Angus MacDonald, Kelby McLean, Elton Shibble, Jack Alcock, Te Awhitu Nankivell, Tom Croake and Mitchell Watts.

The backline was a new one with Sam Buster and Lachlan O’Keefe in the halves, Ben Grant and Conor Lang in the centres with the back three a mixture of Mitch Bowen, AJ Engelbracht, Rowan Stathan, Braydyn Finlay and Harry Snook.

Well done to our Old Heads in laying the solid foundation for the win and the new players followed your led.

Match Report

First Grade

It was a sunny winter’s day at Tamworth Rugby Park as Tamworth hosted their first home game for the season against the Rams from Walcha. Tamworth came into the game well prepped by head coach Craig Summers and made their intensions clear at kickoff, battering the Walcha line with some hard runs by Magpie forwards Alex Newmarch, Dom Sills and Matt Cuningham. Possession was all Tamworth for the first 15 minutes, resulting in two failed penalty attempts from fullback Patrick Strong.

Momentum ended there for the Magpies with Walcha’s flashy backline showing what they can do. A line out to the Rams on the Tamworth line saw Walcha’s Pat Keene slip through the Tamworth defense to draw first blood under the sticks. Possession was all Walcha after first points, however, it didn’t deter the Tamworth men holding the Rams to a 14 – 0 lead at the break after a herculean defensive effort on their own line that lasted close to 15 mins.

The Rams showed their dominance in the second half running in five tries in the first 20 minutes to secure the bonus point. Walcha showed the Tamworth faithful that they are contenders for the premiership, turning defense into attack on the back of Simon Newton who elected to run from his own 22 meter line, after Tamworth spilt the ball on the Walcha line. Newton was bright down just short of the halfway with options both sides. He opted for Keene who strolled over for his third.

Walcha walked away from the Nest with a 64 – 0 win and left Tamworth still chasing their first season win. Notable performances from Luke Klassen, Jimmy Bracken and Alex Newmarch.

Reserve Grade

Rugby Park was the venue for the reserve grade clash between Tamworth and Walcha, unfortunately Walcha were only able to field 13 players.

Walcha defended with great spirit and the Magpies were guilty of trying to score every time they had the ball but the eagerness led to errors.

Dylan Cross opened the scoring with a rip and roll then broke three tackle to score. He was in again when he backed up a good break by Isaac Woodbury.

Just before half time Rory Marshman split the defence for Nat Ellerton to touch down under the posts – again Adam Penman converted to make the score 21-0 at oranges.

Some fresh legs at half time had the Magpies firing with big Nick Lyons running strongly for two tries to open the half. Strong scrummaging and better ball control led to further tries to Matt Smith and Ben Roughley.

Tim McLean with a great show and go split the defence only for Blake Clout to spill the pass with the line open. The try of the match came next when from a quick throw in from Blake Hamilton went through 5 pairs of hands before Ben Roughley went over in the opposite corner for a superb team try.

Sam Rains finished the match when he handled twice in a long range try.

Adam Penman converted to give him 7 from 9 in a goal kicking clinic.

Final score 59 - 0

Best and Fairest 3 Ryan Hanrahan 2 Dylan Cross 1 Nick Lyon and Tim Mclean.

Tamworth vs Inverell Match Report

First Grade

Tamworth traveled to Inverell for the first match of the season with the added handicap of the unavailability of 16 senior players. This affected the composition of the team as well as the set pieces and organisation in general play.

Congratulations to two juniors in Dom Sills and Cooper Thompson who made their first-grade debuts in this game. Other players in their first game for the Magpies were flanker Alex Newmarch and half Henry Noble.

Right from the kick Inverell were organised and had good intensity putting the Magpies under pressure with ball retention and had width on their game. This resulted in two early converted tries before the crowd had settled in their seats.

From then on they were relentless in attack especially when poor clearing kicks under pressure allowed the fullback Dylan Lewis into the game- he scored 3 tries.

Tamworth finally got some possession later in the half but could not hold it long enough to break Inverell down in defence. Finally, Patrick Strong went over to break the duck. The Magpies then launched some attacking raids and were unlucky no to score when the last pass to Luke Klassen went astray.

Some stern words from the coaching staff and fresh legs lifted the team in the second stanza and they were rewarded with a try to Ryan Hanrahan. Cooper Thompson also made a strong bust and toed the ball through in a 50 metre burst but unfortunately the last bounce was cruel and he missed a try.

Scrum and lineout were not as effective enough to give a flow of possession and Inverell pilled on the points to win 48 – 12.

Spirited efforts from captain Jim Bracken, Jack Barker and Kieran McHugh who were gallant in defeat.

Reserve Grade

First round away trip to Inverell is a tough start to the season but coupled with the unavailability of 16 players made it even harder. Fortunately, Saxon Whipper came up to give us a one man bench. Eight players were making their competitive debut for us including Kevin Oszinski and Alex Creswell playing their first game of rugby.

Inverell were also struggling for numbers and as a result requested depowered scrums.

From the kick, Inverell had the great majority of the ball for the first 15 minutes of the match and only resolute defence by the Magpies kept the scoring to a lone penalty goal 0-3. The defensive effort was led by back rowers Ethan Dickie and Ryan Hanrahan plus centre Isaac Woodbury. Gradually we managed to get some possession and began asking question of the Inverell defence with Blake Clout running back kicks strongly and Isaac Woodbury proving a handful in the centres with strong straight running.

On the stroke of halftime big winger Matt Smith crossed out wide for an unconverted try. 5-3

The player were buoyant at oranges and determined to finish the game in style.

Early pressure from good long kick and chase with Ben Roughley controlling from 10 and Charles Sherwood with Jamieson Murphy chasing gave the Magpies good field position. Isaac Woodbury then burst through for a converted try followed closely by a penalty goal. 15-3.

Inverell got a roll on through good pick and go to score and narrow the gap, 15-8.

The Magpies worked hard in the pigs with big Jason Burgess making charges around the breakdown. Finally, Saxon Whipper scored a 50 metre try to seal the game 22-8. Inverell scored a late consolation try 22-13.

Best and Fairest 3 Isaac Woodbury 2 Ethan Dickie 1 Jason Burgess and Ben Roughley.