The Super Spuds had the Magpies in a flap late in late Saturday’s Group 19 first grade clash at Glen Innes, in what proved to be Guyra’s most successful outing to date.
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The Spuds went down 44-22 but won their first half of football for the year and a lot of admirers.
After a decent opening 20 minutes the home side led 10-4 following a try to Kyle Mongta for Guyra.
Unfortunately the dreaded bad patch before halftime struck again and Glen ran in four tries to lead 34-4 at the break.
But the Guyra second half fight-back was on again when speedster Brock Laybutt found some space and ran 80m to score.
Mongta then used his remarkable footwork to dance his way over for his second try and then scooped up a loose ball and ran 60m to set up a third-straight Spud try for Beau Orchard.
Glen hit back with two quick tries, but Guyra finished the game on top with Mongta’s third four-pointer in the corner, off the back of a break by Jared Layland, rattling the home team.
One Magpie responded in a cowardly fashion, but avoided being sent off for a blatant and malicious piece of foul play and, instead, both sides were reduced to 12 men when the referee used the sin bin.
That incident and an injury to Lachlan Brazier stopped Guyra’s momentum and halted the game eight minutes from the end.
The match was called off to deal with the injury and it was the Spuds who left the field with their heads held highest.
Fortunately, Lachlan was cleared of a serious spinal injury, but will be sore for a few weeks.
Mongta was named players’ player for his efforts while prop Scott Miller was given three club points, Mongta two and Lachie Miller one.
Coach Stephen Kliendienst said he was proud of his side, especially the effort in the first 20 minutes and the second half comeback.
The Spudettes came up against a dominant Glen side in the Leaguetag and found the going tough.
After conceding three early tries the Guyra girls hit back when Bea Roberts crossed for a try and it was 14-6 at halftime.
Alli Burey also found the line for Guyra’s other try but a nasty injury to Bea Roberts early in the second half was a shock to the Guyra system and the Magpies powered to a 54-10 win.
Amanda Brooks was players’ player and polled one club point, while Alli Burey scored three points and Brianna Sutton two.
This Saturday, Guyra faces the old enemy, Armidale, at the sports complex and it is a special day with the club’s new uniforms being unveiled and a full schedule of junior and senior games.
Grant Robertson