Magpies fly high after emphatic Group 6 Country Rugby League semi-final win

PICTON Magpies were flying high after ­defeating Narellan Jets 32-12 in the Group 6 semi-final.

Magpies ready for

PICTON Magpies were flying high after ­defeating Narellan Jets 32-12 on Sunday to book a spot in this weekend's 2013 Country Rugby League Group 6 grand final against Mittagong.

Defending premiers Campbelltown ­Eagles were stripped of their points earlier in the season for player breaches, leaving the competition open to challengers.

Picton's Nick Taylor opened the scoring at Narellan Sportsground early in the preliminary final with a try in the 10th minute and added a second shortly after.

The Magpies attacked Narellan's right-hand side and added a third try through Bryce Poisel to grab a 16-0 lead at the half-time break.

Picton opened the second half with a 40/20 and its defensive pressure forced Jets centre Ray Ioane to blow a scoring opportunity.

But Narellan showed fight and scored late tries through David McDonald and Gavin Wilson.

The physical clash culminated in two sin-bins, with Picton's Brendan Shepherd sent off for a shoulder charge and Narellan's Jay Bonnell for a high tackle.

The Magpies capitalised and put Brett Clark in for a try.

Another Picton try on the siren dealt the killer blow to Narellan.

Coach Gary Dowse praised the Magpies' efforts, but admitted there was still plenty of work to be done before the grand final clash against Mittagong.

Dowse said the grand final would have a lot of competitive match-ups.

"We'll match up well with the Mittagong side; we've got strong halves, a solid forward pack and a devastating fullback, and these players could dictate the result of next week's match," he said.

The grand final will be played at Kirkham Park at 3.15pm on Sunday.