PL - Magpies V Jets - Round 17

Jets Fly Past The Magpies Written by Wests Football Club Tuesday, 05 July 2005 A gutsy first half effort by Wests wasn't enough to prevent the Jets taking off and continuing their outstanding season. A four try to nil second half performance from the Bluebags overturned a half time deficit and leaves the Magpies stuck at the foot of the Premier League ladder.

The Magpies, hit by injuries and players unavailable for selection, were always going to do it hard against Newtown who were in second place on the ladder. To make up the team, Sam Hoare and Kerry Smith were asked to back up after playing the previous game in Jersey Flegg and Brad Soper was called back into the squad during the week after some impressive games in the Group 6 competition. Several positional changes were also made.

Despite these difficulties, the Magpies were the first to score. In the 5th minute, Abraham Pritchard put a clever kick into the in goal area which was pounced upon by fullback Shannon Gallant taking the Magpies to an early 4 ? 0 lead. Within a few minutes, half Ben Roberts also put in a fine kick, which resulted in centre Aaron Mercer scoring. The rest of the half was dominate by rugged defence, however Newtown were next to score, reducing the lead to 8 ? 6. In the closing stages, an indiscretion from the Jets saw Ben Roberts kick a penalty goal and at the break the Magpies led 10 ? 6.

An injury to winger Ben Yelavich, which occurred mid way through the first half, prevented him from taking the field for the second half. The team again had to be reshuffled.

The second half saw a very determined Jet?s team take the field and it was not long before they scored a converted try, taking them to the lead for the first time 12 ? 10. Although the Magpies battled on hard for the remainder of the half, the Jets proved to strong running out winners 30 ? 10. Despite the result, there were several very good individual performances. Sam Hoare and Kerry Smith did the Magpies proud by backing up from the Jersey Flegg.

Best for the Magpies ? Isaac De Gois, Aaron Mercer, Mark Meredith, Shannon Gallant and Aaron Sweeney.

Scorers for the Magpies ? Shannon Gallant 1 try, Aaron Mercer 1 try and Ben Roberts 1 goal.

The Premier League play the Roosters at 12.30pm on Sunday 10 July 2005 at Telstra Stadium.