New York Magpies
State of Origin VII Match Summary – April 3, 2004
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx

A cool damp Saturday afternoon in early April was the setting for the seventh installment of the New York Magpies State of Origin game. Forty-two guys and a legion of observers from all over the globe turned up to represent their sides in the annual grudge match. There were more new faces in the Bronx than at a botox convention. The fireworks started early with a heated pre-game debate between Magpies assistant coaches Jarrad Creighton and Tommy Thompson over the true origins of marquis talent James “Pato” Paterson. The debate led to Pato taking one for both sides by sporting the white umpire top. As for the rest of the Fashletes, the traditional black and white was accompanied by everything from floral orange board shorts to green socks to bleach blonde hair. With super coach Rob Oliver in Texas the reigns were handed over to Bruce “I fell” Cameron to coordinate the troops and complain about his broken “flipping the bird” hand.

The opening tap saw the Victorians come roaring out of the center square in numbers and with alarming speed, getting the ball deep into the Allies backline quickly and drawing first blood with the opening goal. Another charge out of the square led by the speed and quickness of newcomers Luke Mulquiney and Bjorn Farrugia led to another Victorian goal. The pressure began to mount on the Allies to score or risk being overrun by the Mexicans (south of New South Wales border). Not willing to let the Vics run away with this one, some quick handball work by the Port Scholarship twins, Ojas “Juice” Desai and Joe Discepola (just back from the Jeff Farnham Reality Tour), got the ball up to the Allies big fella, Simon Hill, who slotted his first goal. Brilliant ruck work by the Vics big man, Andrew “Bubba” Bridges, continued to give the Vics opportunities at first use of the ball. Pushing off his half-back flank spot, Nick Curtain added more speed and skill to an already charged Victorian side. Not letting the ball and chain slow him down, the Vics little man with the big effort, Guy Luminato, continued to provide an offensive spark to the Vics powerhouse of a mid-field. Magnificant contesting and steadfast attack on the ball saw the American newcomer Adam “Adam” Ribaudo collect several touches and bang out his first points as an Aussie Rules footballer (well done Adam).

After a half-time break, highlighted by both coaches’ attempts to refocus their respective sides on the game at hand, the second half of play began with some big personnel changes by the Allies. Fresh off sabbatical, Jonno “the Matador” McClelland was sent in to try to stop the Vics ruckman. Once Jonno actually found the center of the field, thanks to the help of his teammates and opposing players, he worked overtime to counteract the effects of big “Bubba” Bridges. A new and improved Allies backline, featuring Michael Payne and Kym Laube, stiffened up and gave the Vics goal hungry bunch a new, formidable challenge. The Vics continued to put the pressure on the Allies defense with Marc “where's my wingman Woody” Colella and Scott Long moving the ball up the wing and into the Vics forwards. The second half also saw the battle for Under-18 supremacy emerge as the Vics, Lachlan Oliver and Allies, Matt Reilly fought hard, and showed they were not afraid to take on the senior players for a touch of ball (just take Lachys horse-collaring takedown of Magpies President Doug Lewis as one example). The seesaw second half battle allowed the Allies new Americans Dave Ritchie and Pat McDonough to pick up some key possessions and help their side move the ball out of defense and into attack on more than a few occasions and led to several Allies scores. An unfortunate ankle injury saw the Vics resident rock star Simon “Belly” Bell have to leave the contest early. Taking this injury in true Hollywood-style stride, Belly was later seen sunning himself on the side of the pitch (keep in mind it was an overcast day at best)! In the end, the Vics run and gun style of footy was just too much for the Allies to keep up with.

So while the Vics celebrate and work on their Allies bashing, it's back to the drawing board for the Allies. Perhaps before next year the Allies can figure out a way to prove that Pato is in fact an Allie! Good Luck, but I wouldn't count on it fellas! The series now belongs to the Vics 4 wins, to the Allies 3 wins.

Victorians- 8.8.56

Allies- 4.3.27

Special thanks to John Bethune, Matt Barlaz, and Pato for umpiring and for the guys who set up the field.

And who took home a Blue Allie Jumper, we need it back?