WFR News
LUMBERJACKS CONQUER THE BAY WITH STUNNING DRIFT FROM EARLY BLUES
2026-10-21 22:58:36
A masterclass in tactical kicking, resilient defense, and lethal counter-attacking saw the BC Lumberjacks secure a brilliant 32–13 victory against the Hawke’s Bay Magpies on enemy territory.
Despite a rocky opening sequence, the Lumberjacks methodically dismantled the Magpies' defense, answering the Hawke's Bay faithful with a clinical display of rugby.
The match could not have started worse for the visitors. An uncharacteristic knock-on by Jake Gordon from the opening kickoff put the Lumberjacks immediately on the back foot. While the tighthead scrum briefly won possession back, a subsequent penalty allowed Lincoln McClutchie to set up an attacking lineout. The Magpies capitalised immediately, with Braedyn Grant crashing over for a converted try inside two minutes.
Trailing 7–0, the Lumberjacks refused to panic. Forcing Hawke's Bay inside their own 22, the visitors struck back in the 5th minute. An electric, line-breaking run from Rieko Ioane ripped the Magpies' defense wide open. Moments later, Jake Gordon redeemed his earlier error by diving over the line to open the Lumberjacks' account.
The first half developed into a grueling tactical battle. McClutchie kept the Magpies ahead with a brilliant drop goal and a subsequent penalty, extending the hosts' lead to 13–5.
However, the Lumberjacks' set-piece excellence began to dictate terms. After a Macca Springer knock-on gave the Lumberjacks an attacking platform, David Richard showcased blistering pace to score in the corner, cutting the deficit to three.
The final ten minutes of the first half belonged entirely to the visitors. Josh Ioane locked the scores at 13–13 with a penalty goal, before another thunderous run by David Richard put the Magpies on the ropes. In the 39th minute, Josh Ioane showed ice-cool composure, slotting a spectacular drop goal to give the Lumberjacks a 19–13 lead at the interval.
The Lumberjacks contextually put the game out of reach just after the break. Hawke's Bay’s Macca Springer was shown a yellow card for an infringement, and Josh Ioane stepped up to slot the penalty, pushing the lead to 22–13.
What followed was a defensive masterclass. The Magpies threw everything at the Lumberjacks, but Gordon’s pinpoint tactical kicking repeatedly pinned the hosts back. The Lumberjacks' lineout stood tall, continuously stealing Hawke's Bay’s throws.
In the 65th minute, the pressure finally cracked the hosts. A roaring run from winger Ethan Hager shifted the momentum deep into Magpies territory, allowing hooker Jesse Mackail to burrow over from close range.
The Magpies attempted a late surge, but the Lumberjacks' breakdown work—led by Mackail and Caden Wilson—proved completely impenetrable.
With six minutes remaining on the clock, the Lumberjacks put the exclamation point on a famous victory. Kainoa Lloyd tore through the midfield on a devastating run, setting up Josh Ioane to cross the whitewash for the team's fourth try, sealing the score at 32–13.
The Lumberjacks controlled the final minutes with clinical precision, running down the clock to secure a comprehensive and richly deserved victory on the road
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Despite a rocky opening sequence, the Lumberjacks methodically dismantled the Magpies' defense, answering the Hawke's Bay faithful with a clinical display of rugby.
The match could not have started worse for the visitors. An uncharacteristic knock-on by Jake Gordon from the opening kickoff put the Lumberjacks immediately on the back foot. While the tighthead scrum briefly won possession back, a subsequent penalty allowed Lincoln McClutchie to set up an attacking lineout. The Magpies capitalised immediately, with Braedyn Grant crashing over for a converted try inside two minutes.
Trailing 7–0, the Lumberjacks refused to panic. Forcing Hawke's Bay inside their own 22, the visitors struck back in the 5th minute. An electric, line-breaking run from Rieko Ioane ripped the Magpies' defense wide open. Moments later, Jake Gordon redeemed his earlier error by diving over the line to open the Lumberjacks' account.
The first half developed into a grueling tactical battle. McClutchie kept the Magpies ahead with a brilliant drop goal and a subsequent penalty, extending the hosts' lead to 13–5.
However, the Lumberjacks' set-piece excellence began to dictate terms. After a Macca Springer knock-on gave the Lumberjacks an attacking platform, David Richard showcased blistering pace to score in the corner, cutting the deficit to three.
The final ten minutes of the first half belonged entirely to the visitors. Josh Ioane locked the scores at 13–13 with a penalty goal, before another thunderous run by David Richard put the Magpies on the ropes. In the 39th minute, Josh Ioane showed ice-cool composure, slotting a spectacular drop goal to give the Lumberjacks a 19–13 lead at the interval.
The Lumberjacks contextually put the game out of reach just after the break. Hawke's Bay’s Macca Springer was shown a yellow card for an infringement, and Josh Ioane stepped up to slot the penalty, pushing the lead to 22–13.
What followed was a defensive masterclass. The Magpies threw everything at the Lumberjacks, but Gordon’s pinpoint tactical kicking repeatedly pinned the hosts back. The Lumberjacks' lineout stood tall, continuously stealing Hawke's Bay’s throws.
In the 65th minute, the pressure finally cracked the hosts. A roaring run from winger Ethan Hager shifted the momentum deep into Magpies territory, allowing hooker Jesse Mackail to burrow over from close range.
The Magpies attempted a late surge, but the Lumberjacks' breakdown work—led by Mackail and Caden Wilson—proved completely impenetrable.
With six minutes remaining on the clock, the Lumberjacks put the exclamation point on a famous victory. Kainoa Lloyd tore through the midfield on a devastating run, setting up Josh Ioane to cross the whitewash for the team's fourth try, sealing the score at 32–13.
The Lumberjacks controlled the final minutes with clinical precision, running down the clock to secure a comprehensive and richly deserved victory on the road