First win gives Magpies confidence boost

Denmark-Walpole claimed their first victory of 2016 with a convincing 110-point win over Albany on Saturday at McLean Park.

The Magpies were desperate to get a win on the board and used a strong breeze in the second quarter to kick eight goals and seize control, eventually winning 23.16 (154) to 6.8 (44).

The Sharks had the breeze in the first quarter and won some early clearances but could not translate that to scoreboard pressure as the Magpies booted five goals with two from Shayne Zanetti.

Despite overusing the ball at times, the Magpies were dominant all over the ground in the second quarter and launched a number of attacks off their half-back line with Ashley Smith setting up a lot of the play.

The Sharks put up a fight after half-time, applying plenty of midfield pressure that resulted in some costly Magpies turnovers, however the Magpies steadied with a tough goal from Zanetti 45 metres out, kicking into a strong breeze.

The Magpies piled on six goals to one in the last quarter to land their final blow on the Sharks and will go into next week’s clash against Railways full of confidence.

Magpies midfielders Brody Hickey and Jesse D’Sylva used the ball well all day and Zanetti bagged four goals and took a number of strong contested grabs.

For the Sharks, Robbie Baker and captain-coach James Eaton battled hard while Marcus Mellon bagged three of his team’s six goals.

Eaton said his team didn’t make the most of their chances.

“We came out good but there were a few wasted opportunities and that meant we were chasing tail all day,” he said.

“Our skills were down but we’re improving each week.”

The Magpies’ midfield brigade impressed coach Matt Candy.

“Our midfield really got it going, which was good to see,” he said.

“We created goal-kicking pressure too, which is what you have to do in this league to be competitive.”