The Sydney Airport Jets reignite
the finals flame

The Sydney Airport Jets stayed in touch with the semi-finals race with a hard grafting 28-12 win over Manly-Warringah, in the VB Premier League match played in constant light rain at Henson Park on Saturday. The Sea Eagles had led 12-8 at half-time, but Newtown dictated the terms of play in the second half, even though the Jets still held an 18-12 lead with only five minutes left to play. Newtown's much improved completion rate, a good "kick and chase" game and bustling defence were key factors in this morale-boosting win, in which they had to withstand a determined late fight-back by the Sea Eagles.

Wingers Ben Cook and John Sinisa both scored spectacular long distance tries after fielding Manly pressure kicks. Halves David Hall and Craig Field were again outstanding, with Field cleaning up several dangerous situations. Unfortunately he has booked himself an appointment with the NSWRL judiciary later this week. Ben Vaeau played with more self-assurance, while centre Troy Barnes defended solidly. James Stosic, Phil Leuluai, Bill Najjarin and Peter Howie were Newtown?s best forwards. The buzz in the Newtown dressing rooms after the game was clear testimony to the lads' renewed confidence in their finals chances, despite the fact that they face a very tough run home.

In the Jim Beam Cup match up at The Entrance, Newtown matched the runaway competition leaders for most of the game, with the home team taking control in the last quarter to win by 38-10. Prop Lee Trasler gave a tireless leadership display, with good assistance from fellow forwards Andrew Mortimer and David Vial. Callan Myles and Rick Lyons also played well. Popular winger Alf Duncan made a comeback after a long layoff due to injury and scored one of his trademark tries.

The Parkes Spacemen still have a long injured list, and were no match for the Group 11 competition front-runners Dubbo Macquarie on Sunday.

There is a home ground double-header at Henson Park this Saturday (July 31), when the Sydney Airport Jets play the Roosters in the VB Premier League at 3.00pm. In the curtain raiser, Newtown hosts Cabramatta in the Jim Beam Cup with this match timed to start at 1.15pm.