Spirit is something the Berry Shoalhaven Magpies has in abundance but unfortunately this does not equate to Group Seven Rugby League competition points.
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The Magpies, at the Berry Showground on Saturday, suffered another defeat and this time it was an 18-14 loss to Albion Park-Oak Flats.
Berry, behind for most of the match, finished stronger than its opponent and if the home side was given another set of six tackles they may have well plucked the Eagles.
Perhaps the most crucial play of the match came right on halftime.
With minutes left to the break the score was 8-4, in the Park’s favour, and both teams would have gone into the break reasonably happy with this score.
However, it was a heartbreaking moment for Berry when Park fullback Jordan Harty scored right next to the posts, as the halftime bell rang, giving his team a 14-4 lead.
Speaking of fullbacks, Berry young gun Jake Gould had another great game with several try assists, plenty of great runs and some crucial tackles at the back.
Gould is enjoying his debut season in first grade.
“Yeah it’s a lot harder than the under 18s,” he said.
“It's harder physically and mentally as well. It’s a lot better standard of game and things work a little better.”
The former halfback is also enjoying his new role.
“It’s good and there is heaps more room back there,” he said.
“I am getting used to the position and I have got the learn the catch the ball a bit better.”
His body is taking a hammering and Gould said he is learning the absorb the physicality.
He said Berry had a great spirit at the moment.
“Even after the games the spirit is strong and all the lads are welcoming and we are a tight bunch,” he said.
He hopes to be back with Berry next season.
Meanwhile, both teams would admit they made too many mistakes and gave away too many penalties.
Even the officials decided enough was enough with the infringements and the Park’s Kyle Williams felt the brunt of this frustration when he was given a spell in the sin bin for a professional foul.
Including one to popular front rower Matt Pollard, Berry scored two tries when the Eagles were down to 12 men.
However, the Park held on for victory and its best including Harty, prop Sean Jenkins, centre Blake Jones and ageless hooker Dean Gray was good as normal.
Gould, centre Josh Coulter, Pollard, halves Josh Ingold and Joe Rogers, along with second rower Bryce Rutherford, before he came off with injury, were all strong for the home team.