Saturday's clash against the Mackay Cutters was a promising start that the Cutters managed to wrestle away through a strong second half showing.
The Magpies set the tone immediately. Brittany Breayley-Nati broke the line inside three minutes to open the scoring. The Cutters hit twice to lead 12-4, before April Ngatupuna crossed in the 33rd minute to bring it back to 16-8 heading into the break, still in the contest and with plenty to play for.
The second half, however, belonged to Mackay. Kiarah Siauane crossed early to make it 16-12, but the Cutters steadied and found another gear. Shaylee Hazledine and Bella Thompson both crossed in quick succession to push the lead out to an unassailable 28-12, and despite the Magpies pressing until the final whistle, they couldn't find the scores to match.
28-12 the final result, but the Magpies were very much in this game for long stretches.
Two rounds in, one win and one loss. The season is long. Watch this space.