Despite staging a second half come back against the North Sydney Bears, the Wentworthville Magpies Canterbury Cup side have suffered a 34-20 defeat in Round 10 of the competition at Henson Park on Sunday 19 May.
The late inclusions of Bevan French and Matt McIlwrick to the line up saw no immediate effect on the scoreboard with the Bears flying out of the blocks to gain an early 18 point lead.
Tries in the 11th, 19th and 25th minute due to the wealth of possession saw the home side build a formidable lead early and it took an effort from Magpies second rower Andrew Davey, who dove on a bouncing grubber in the 38th minute of the clash, to close the gap to 18-4 at half time.
However, nine minutes into the second half, Bears fullback Keiran Moss loomed in support from a bust through the middle to score underneath the posts and build a 20-point lead.
The Magpies attempted to stage a miraculous comeback after back-to-back tries through forward Stefano Utoikamanu in the 54th minute and halfback Rhys Davis in the 59th minute seeing the scoreboard read 24-16.
The home side regained the momentum and when half Brock Lamb crossed over for a try from 5 metres out, before forward Max Bailey scored his third try of the afternoon in the 70th minute, the Bears had an 18 point buffer heading into the final ten minutes.
Magpies winger Greg Leleisiuao crossed in the 73rd minute of the clash for a late consolation try but the score remained 34-20 as the Bears held on for victory in Round 10.
The eight placed Magpies will look to bounce back this week when they take on the second placed Penrith Panthers at Ringrose Park on Sunday 26 May, kick off at 3pm.
