Magpies v Tigers: Werris Creek beat Manilla 46-24 | Group 4

It was also the first home game of the new season for the Cody Tickle-coached Magpies and the young skipper was delighted with the all-round performance from his side.

However, one player stood out on Saturday, Tickle said, and that was Barry Murray.

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"He was the best player on the field by a mile," the coach said. "Scored a couple of real good tries too.

"He won our players' player award and also got the club best and fairest points."

The form of the rest of the squad also pleased Tickle.

"We didn't have a bad player," he said.

He was also delighted with "the crew in the middle".

"They all worked as a unit," he said of the likes of Marcus Doran, Beau Parry and the weaponised Charlie Parsons.

"The most pleasing thing was our defence and the way we kept Mitch (Doring) out of the game. He's a very talented player."

Doring returned to the Tiger lineup after missing last Saturday's loss to Kootingal-Moonbi at the Manilla Showground and worked hard to spark his side.

While the Magpies worked hard to keep him quiet, the Tigers No 7 still managed to score two tries and kick three goals whilst also polling two points in the Group 4 best and fairest award.

"It was a good game, very tough," Doring said. "We showed some good signs too, showed a bit of character, but made plenty of errors. We just need to control the ball."

WERRIS CREEK 46 (Barry Murray 2, Riley Leonard 2, Marty Shaw, Cody Tickle, Beau Parry, Ronin Hadden, Dylan Porter tries; Harlee Millgate 3, Murray 2 goals) d MANILLA 24 (Mitch Doring 2, Adam Ruttley, Nick Syron tries; Doring 3 goals) Group 4 best and fairest points: 3 Barry Murray (WC), 2 Mitch Doring (M), 1 Isaah Millgate (WC).

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