Newtown v.
Sydney Roosters, played at Henson Park on Saturday, August 10

JETS PLUMMET FROM THE PENTHOUSE TO THE OUTHOUSE.

What a difference a week can make in Rugby League football! Coming off their best performance of the year against Penrith the previous Sunday, the Newtown Jets turned in a shocker against the Sydney Roosters at Henson Park on Saturday afternoon. The Jets 64-6 loss struck a discordant note on what otherwise was a highly successful day generously sponsored by the Petersham RSL Club, and played before the season?s biggest crowd.

There were certain similarities between this mismatch and the blitzkrieg mounted by the Sharks on Sunday. The Jets were on the back foot from the opening minute, and had one abbreviated set of possession in the opening fifteen minutes, during which time the Roosters had bolted away to an 18-0 lead. The shell-shocked Jets never looked like recovering. Reportedly a large number of the Roosters squad had been told that their 2003 contracts were on the line, and they certainly played with the savage intensity of men whose professional sporting careers hung in the balance.

Newtown?s best players were David Lambert and Garth Wood, while Wes Patten showed glimpses of his creative best. The defensive performances of centres Ben Tickle and Frank Samia deserve an honourable mention. With the last home game for the 2002 season coming up this Saturday, the Jets have vowed to consign this result to the bad memories file, and to put on a display against the Bears that their loyal fans will be proud of.

In the final round of the Metropolitan Cup competition, Newtown finished their 2002 playing commitments with a 40-22 loss to Guildford. This match followed a familiar trend, with the young Jets leading early but ultimately losing out late in the second half. Jets forwards Luke Ellis and Simon Mason did all they could to rally their teammates.

The Jets host the Central Coast Bears in First Division at Henson Park this Saturday, August 17. The day doubles as the occasion and location for the Annual Newtown Players, Officials and Supporters Reunion. Following the game, the Reunion will move onto the Jets Sports Club at Holbeach Avenue, Tempe. There will be South Sydney Juniors competition fixtures staged as curtain raisers prior to the main game. For any Jets inquiries, call the club number on 1300 36 36 90.