Waikerie too good

by ROB McLEAN

WAIKERIE'S toughness and ability to play four quarters paved the way for a convincing victory over Loxton in the RFL A grade grand final played at the Lakeside Oval on Saturday.

The Magpies' superior first half provided the foundations to the 26 point win.

Loxton coach Murray Voigt said his team's inability to keep with Waikerie for four quarters proved a decisive factor in the loss.

"They (Waikerie) were good enough to win and they have been all year," Voigt said.

"Our only failing this year was that we weren't good enough to put four quarters together against Waikerie.

"They play a good brand of footy that we need to learn how to play if we are to succeed."

Prior to Saturday's grand final, Loxton and Waikerie had met four times in 2003 with victory going to the eventual premiers on each occasion. The Magpies' winning streak over Loxton stretches to six matches, including last season's preliminary final.

Voigt said Waikerie's multi-talented midfield, led by best on ground Clayton Lush, and its finals experience gave the Magpies the advantage in the opening terms when Loxton was restricted to just two goals.

"Waikerie have played in the past four grand finals, so they've got experience on their side," Voigt said.

"More than half our guys wouldn't have played in a grand final, we are still learning and we will have benefited from the weekend."

Voigt said the club is not expecting to lose many players from Saturday's side and is confident the Tigers can take the next step.

"I don't think there will be an exodus, so we will keep building and improving from there," Voigt said.

The A grade win topped off a remarkable day for Waikerie, which also won the seconds and thirds premierships.

The Magpies' seconds scored a one point victory over red hot favourites Renmark while the thirds snared a win by five points, also over the Rovers.

That win was secured in thrilling fashion with extra time required to separate the teams.

Waikerie's premiership trifecta was dedicated to the memory of club stalwart and former premiership player Joe DeVito, who died suddenly earlier this month.

First appeared in The Loxton News, Wednesday 10 September.

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