Magpies maintain their dominance
over the Jets

The Sydney Airport Jets turned in a horror ten minutes just before half-time in Sunday's VB Premier League match against Western Suburbs at Campbelltown Stadium, which proved to be a decisive factor in the Magpies' 38-20 win. Newtown trailed 6-4 after thirty minutes of play, but Wests took advantage of repeated errors to lead 22-4 at the break. Newtown fought back in the second half, trailing 22-14 with more than twenty minutes remaining, but a soft try to Wests put the game beyond the visitors' reach. Second-rowers Billy Najjarin and Phillip Leuluai had their best games for the Sydney Airport Jets this season, while Craig Field, Andrew Le Breton and Ben Vaeau were the best of Newtown's backs. Hard-hitting Tommy Gemmell and tough front-rower James Stosic impressed once again with their commitment. The Sydney Airport Jets suffered further misfortune with French international second-rower Matthieu Julia breaking his jaw late in the second half. The Sydney Airport Jets opened their account for the season in the Jim Beam Cup when they defeated Ourimbah 28-22 at Henson Park on Saturday. Halves Luke Young and Simon Crotty gave standout displays, while Newtown's best forwards were front rower Peter Howie and second-rower Nelson Lomi. Coach Trevor Schodel gratefully accepted the win, but said his team had a lot of improving to do to match it with better credentialled opposition. In the VB Premier League this coming weekend, Newtown takes on the Penrith-St. Marys Cougars at the Western Weekender Stadium on Saturday, April 10, with this match starting at 2pm. There is a general bye in the Jim Beam Cup competition over the Easter weekend.