Magpies v Panthers, Canterbury Cup Elimination Final Match Highlights
The Wentworthville Magpies boast an all-star line-up on paper and they proved their power in their first Canterbury Cup semi final against the Penrith Panthers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The Magpies put in a true team effort, with responsibility shared across the park to see them finish victorious 34-16.
Half Will Smith and fullback Josh Hoffman starred, picking up two tries each in the game.
While the Panthers picked up the first early points with a try to Frank Winterstein in the 11th minute, momentum quickly shifted.
The Magpies hit back with three quick tries in less than ten minutes.
Fullback Josh Hoffman got the first four pointer with a 40 metre break.
He was then backed up minutes later when Greg Lelesiou showed off some fancy footwork to score, before Oregan Kaufusi finished off a quick short ball out of the ruck.
Rhys Davies added extra points to extend the Magpies lead, converting all three tires.
The Panthers were kept at bay and silenced in their attacking efforts.
Magpies half Will Smith further extended the lead before the halftime siren, easing over the right edge to see his side run into the sheds up 22-6.
Despite starting the second half with a healthy lead, the Magpies were hungry for more points and it didn’t take long for their fifth try to arrive.
Will Smith beat Panthers defenders to plant a grubber for his second try of the game, further extending the lead.
The Panthers managed to stay in the game, with two tries in the second half to Shannon Harris and Kaide Ellis.
But the Magpies start proved too strong and Josh Hoffman well and truely sealed the win with his second try of the game in the dying minutes to finish 34-16.
The Magpies now progress into the second week of Canterbury Cup finals, with their opposition to be decided at the end of the round.
