The Magpies ran into a red-hot Townsville outfit at Davies Park in Round 20, going down 66-6 in a difficult afternoon against a Blackhawks side that made the most of every opportunity that came its way.
Townsville struck early through Luke Webley and never let up, with Dudley Dotoi particularly damaging in the middle stages, crossing four times in the first half alone as the visitors raced out to a 24-0 lead at the break. Jack Campagnolo was faultless off the tee all afternoon, slotting all 11 of his conversion attempts to help the Blackhawks pile on the points.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with tries to Dotoi, Creedence Toia (x2), Saimone Ahomana, Bailey Biondi-Odo and Kaiden Lahrs extending the margin as Townsville's polish told against a Magpies outfit that battled hard but couldn't find a foothold in the contest. To their credit, the Magpies kept working right to the end, and were rewarded in the 78th minute when Floyd Aubrey crossed for a try, with Hayze Perham adding the extras to get the side on the board.
It was a day to forget on the scoreboard, but around the grounds it was a special day. Celebrating Women In League Round, the Magpies wore their 'Pink Jerseys' in support of Small Steps 4 Hannah, where each match worn Jersey was auctioned to raise vital funds for the cause. Brisbane River Zonta joined us to put on a sausage sizzle, kids colouring in and a raffle, raising funds to support Domestic Violence.