The Newtown Jets
toughed it out for a 28-16 win against the Brett Kenny-coached Wentworthville in
the 19th round NSW Cup match played at Henson Park last Saturday. With a number
of players unavailable through injury and suspension, the Jets had to call on
three players from the Sydney Roosters under 20's squad to put a full team onto
the field. This was one of those mid-winter games that teams determined to go
places in the finals have to win, and the Jets had the necessary firepower to
claim another two valuable competition points in what was a very tough physical
contest.
Newtown led 16-4 at
halftime, with Wentworthville's only try being scored in the last minute of the
first half. The Jets had their share of luck in this game, as Wenty had two
tries disallowed in the first half and a third try-scoring attempt was thwarted
by a wonderful defensive effort from Newtown winger Troy Savage. The Jets looked
to be better organised in attack but whatever limitations Wenty might have shown
with the ball were balanced out by their desperation to stay in the fight for a
finals place.
The Jets were best
served by backrowers Jason Baitieri, Brad Barrett and Aidan Guerra who all
worked doubly-hard in defence and with the ball. Front-rowers James Koloamatangi
and Lopini Paea carved out valuable metres when they were most needed and the
halves Johnathon Ford and Liam Foran worked together effectively. Jets centres
Chris Tuatara-Morrison and Tu'u Maori and winger Troy Savage combined superbly
for Newtown's first try in the second half. Coach Greg Matterson praised the
efforts of the three Roosters youngsters Watson Namoa, John Leiataua and Hughie
Stanley who all made solid contributions after joining the team late in the
week.
The Newtown
Jets travel away this coming Sunday (25th July) to play the St George-Illawarra
feeder club Shellharbour Dragons at the Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour, with
this 20th round NSW Cup match timed to start at 3.00pm.
Newtown 28:
Hughie Stanley 2,
Aidan Guerra, Troy Savage, Tu'u Maori, Luke Towers tries;