Match report: Newtown v. Central
Coast Bears, played at Henson Park on Saturday, August 17

VETERANS DAY INSPIRES JETS TO SEIZE LATE VICTORY. This might not have been the prettiest of wins, but being the last home game for 2002 and also being played in front of hundreds of former Jets players, it was certainly a victory with both character and great emotional significance. The decision to link the annual players reunion with the season's last home game at Henson Park was an unqualified success, with a host of former players in attendance from as far afield as Melbourne and North Queensland. For the record, Newtown defeated the Central Coast Bears by 26-20, coming from behind in the last ten minutes to grab an immensely popular win. The game had all the intensity, if not the flair, of an elimination semifinal. It was a solid team effort from the Jets, enlivened by a three-try, man of the match performance from Alf Duncan. Robbie Simpson, Frank Samia and Jason Buchanan were others to stand out for Newtown, and it was particularly pleasing that super veteran Peter Baumgart went out at Henson Park on a winning note. Sadly, five-eighth Troy Barnes appears to have suffered a season-ending injury. The players reunion carried on back at the Jets Sports Club, where one of the highlights was a colourful and rousing speech from the one and only Tommy Raudonikis. Clearly the coupling of the reunion with the last home game is now an absolute must for future years. In upcoming First Division action, Newtown play away to the Newcastle Knights this coming Friday (August 23) at the Energy Australia Stadium, with the kickoff timed for 5.20 pm. You can keep up with all the updated Jets news by calling 1300 36 36 90.