McGoldrick?s ?Hand of God?
interception saves the day for the Sydney Airport Jets

Newtown?s thrilling 36-34 win over Balmain, in the VB Premier League local derby played at Henson Park on Saturday, was certainly not an ideal occasion for persons with a nervous disposition. The Sydney Airport Jets had trailed 18-16 at the break, following a try for try first half. The Jets took command early in the second half, only to lapse alarmingly in a seven-minute horror patch during which the Tigers piled on three tries and two conversions.

One more try would have surely put Newtown away, but the Jets rallied with two unconverted tries and, finally, a penalty goal five minutes from full-time to regain the lead by two points. Newtown supporters then had to survive a nail-biting finish during which the Jets nearly scored again, followed by an almost certain Balmain try-scoring opportunity being denied by Jets centre Ryan McGoldrick?s miracle interception.

Both sides dominated for those periods of play when they controlled possession and limited their errors. Newtown?s defensive effort was well down on the disciplined display against Western Suburbs two weeks before, and fundamental mistakes by the Jets were responsible for several of the Tigers try-scoring opportunities.

Newtown was best served in the forwards by David Thompson, Kevin Kingston (player of the match), Jon Green, Andrew Lomu and Daniel Dumas. Keith Galloway made a welcome return to the playing arena and will work his way back into top form. Five-eighth Russell Aitken was dangerous when he took on the defensive line and Nathan Merritt added to his impressive try scoring tally. Ryan McGoldrick came into prominence late in the game with a spectacular individual try and his match-saving ?Hand of God? interception a minute from full-time.

The Jets made it an Anzac Weekend double when they defeated Ourimbah by 22-6 in the Jim Beam Cup match played on Sunday. Coach Greg Matterson reports that the team only fired up in the second half after the scores had been locked together at 6-all at the break. The Jets had allowed themselves to play at the opposition?s level before taking control of the game.

Newtown?s best forwards were Lafi Manua, Tom Gemmell and Chris Aho, with strong displays in the backs from Anthony Farah, John Sinisa, Ben Fleming and Rodney Peake. Farah?s kicking game was first class and played a big part in Newtown?s second half dominance.

The Sydney Airport Jets take on another 1908 Foundation Club in the VB Premier League next week, when they meet North Sydney at North Sydney Oval on Friday night (April 29) at 7.00pm. The Bears have a much stronger team this year, and the Jets will do well to remember that they have been humbled at North Sydney Oval for the past two years in succession. In the Jim Beam Cup, Newtown travels west to take on the Terry Lamb-coached Cabramatta at the Cabramatta Sports Ground, with this match set down for Saturday (April 30) at 5.15pm.

Photo credit to: Gary Sutherland Photography.