The last time the Glen Innes Magpies won a minor premiership was back in 1995. Having secured two minor premierships, the club championship and with two teams through to the home grand final and a third playing off in the final it was their night to shine at the Group 19 presentation night last Wednesday. But it was not to be.

Only three players were honoured for their efforts this season, with only five Magpies in total getting a look in. Glen Innes halfback Aaron Jones was the groups highest try scorer, with 30 tries, Under 18/A grade centre/winger Joel Jackson was named best and fairest and the top point scorer (134) in the Under 18 competition . While Ladies Oz Tag player Courtney Grange also took home the highest try scorer award with 37 tries in the inaugural Ladies Oz Tag competition.

“We won more awards (at the group 19 presentation night) last year and we ran last in the competition then we did this year and we are minor premiers,” Glen Innes Magpies halfback and Group 19 highest try scorer Aaron Jones said.

Former NRL player and Magpies captain Jason Ferris missed out on the title of Group 19 player of the year by a margin of just two points. The illustrious award was given to another former NRL player, prop Anthony Kaberry who’s team Uralla finished fourth in the competition and will play Tingha for the grand final spot against the Magpies. Another Magpies player, second rower Jacob Key, along with Uralla’s Fred Waters and Inverell’s Charley Terore came in third place (12 points) for the award four points behind Kaberry.

Jones was looking to secure the NBN trophy this season. However, Kaberry continued his winning streak and took home the other major award (19 points), six points clear of Jones (13 points).

The name mentioned after every Magpie match, Joel Jackson notched up 19 tries for A grade and 31 for his team in the Under 18 competition to take top point scorer in juniors and named the junior best and fairest.

Glen’s Oz Tag girls began the inaugural competition as a powerhouse dominating their opposition using their speed on the wing. But, the girls floundered following the group ruling to narrow the field midway through the season. Yet managed to cling onto second spot even after going down to last placed Guyra just a few weeks ago. Courtney Grange was the only player to get a mention as highest try scorer with Uralla’s Amy Barraclough named as player of the year and Bingara’s Kiarnah Walton as runner up.

However, the title of club champions could not be taken away from the Magpies, despite the President cup team slipping from fourth position in their remaining two matches to end the season.