Jets drygulched in the wild wild
West

There was no quarter shown to the understrength Sydney Airport Jets teams in the Premier League - Jim Beam Cup double-header, played against the Cougars at the Western Weekender Stadium, St.Marys on Saturday. In the NSW Premier League match, the Jets turned in their worst first half of the season, trailing the rampant Cougars 34-4 at half-time. Newtown regained some pride in the second half, containing Penrith-St.Marys to a final score of 50-22. The Cougars relished the prolonged spells of possession and favourable field position, and scored all six of their first half tries on the back of penalties conceded by the Jets. The Jets competed well in the first half of the Jim Beam Cup match, with the half-time deficit of 14-6 being largely of their own making. The second half turned into a rout, as the Cougars raced away with the game to the tune of 56-12. Newtown's best in the Premier League match were Nathan Marles, Monah Elahmad, Joe Lichaa, Luke Hession, Craig Field and Tabua Cakacaka. Several of the Jets played wounded, and are to be commended for toughing it out against physically powerful opponents. The Sydney Airport Jets are at home to North Sydney next Saturday (June 21), in a match that is also the deciding tie for the 2003 Frank Hyde Cup. Frank himself will be at his old home-ground, Henson Park, to present the trophy to the inaugural winners. This NSW Premier League match will kick off at the usual time of 3pm. The Jets host Ryde-Eastwood in the Jim Beam Cup, with this curtain raiser due to start at 1.15pm.