By Peter (Parra) Montgomery

The Magpies 36-30 victory on Sunday over Griffith Waratah Tigers was celebrated by Hay players, supporters and officials as a Grand Final victory.

Even though it was the First Grade team’s only victory of the season, and the team finished with the wooden spoon, try telling the loyal fans who watch every game that it was ‘just a win’.

Try telling coach Rene (Bomber) Woods and his tight knit group of players that it was ‘just a win’.

No, it was more than just a win.

It was a reward for the beltings the Magpies physically small and in-experienced players have taken at the hands of all other Clubs in the Group.
No it was more than just a win.

It was a reward for the boys willing to stick by each other and their coach, keep turning up for more and putting in the effort each and every Sunday during the season.

Try telling the Club officials that it was 'just a win

No, it was more than just a win

It was a reward for the Club officials who, every week, battle to get the Club’s act together by raising funds to keep the teams (all five of them) on the paddock, fit and healthy.

No it was more than just a win.

It was a reward for the members and supporters who go to every game, encourage the players by showing support, when it would be far easier to walk away, and turn their backs on them.

We, here in Hay, are proud of our sporting heritage, irrespective of what sport it is.

Every year we know that our sporting Clubs will struggle to compete against Regional Centres that have the luxury of offering ‘imported players’ of regular employment.

If we, in Hay, can get into a position where we have employment available to offer to players who can provide size and skill to the immense talent we have on tap, the sporting world will become an oyster, opening up to reveal a ‘pearl’ in its midst.

The Magpie officials are looking at options for 2013 season.

If the Club can attract a couple of big forwards capable of playing a physical game so it can match it with the other Clubs, success is just around the corner.

I want to take this opportunity of thanking Rene (Bomber) Woods, Damian Kennedy, Jack Byrnes and Dean Whitehead for their efforts with the Club’s Rugby League sides this year.

I also want to thank the solid group of sponsors who have shown their faith in the Club by continuing to support it financially over the years.  The business houses, the average 'punter' who dip their hands into their pockets week after week, to buy the raffle ticket, or support the Kiosk at the Park on Sundays.

The mums and dads who come along and support their kids by offering encouragement EVERY game.

ALWAYS appreciated, never taken for granted.

The coaches have had a very difficult job – all year.

When a Club has as many players struck down with injury as the Magpies Club has had all season, it is hard to remain competitive.

They say ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.

The Club looked shaky at several stages through 2012, but pulled through it OK.

Neil John Nisbet/Emily Nelson LeagueTag girls are still in the hunt for LeagueTag premiership.

The work NJ and Emily have put into developing the skills of their young team has again been sensational.

The girls are into the finals, and hopefully, will go one better this season.

Every time a player represents the Magpies Club, they know they have the total support of the Club and its followers.

“You'll never WALK Alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8smO4VS9134