Jets fullback Shaun Kenny-Dowall had made an impact in the second half against Western Suburbs and he did the same on Saturday. In the 54th minute the big New Zealander ran hard onto the ball from a midfield-scrum set play and positioned winger Aaron Lai for a clear run to the line, and then in the 60th minute Kenny-Dowall slipped a beautifully-crafted pass to fellow Kiwi Troy Savage, who backed himself and crashed over in the south-western corner. With Ndaira converting both tries, the Jets were in the driver's seat at 24-6. Great defence - great victoryIn one of their best defensive efforts this year, Newtown weathered everything the Dragons could throw at them. Nine minutes out from fulltime form forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala strode through some tiring Dragons defence, slipped a pass to the fast supporting five-eighth Tom Symonds who dashed in next to the posts. Ndaira's fifth conversion gave the Jets a 30-6 lead and the fifth-placed Dragons were gone for all money. Players impressed across the parkThis had been a most gratifying display from what was a very young and restructured team. The Jets coaching staff of Paul Young and Greg Matterson were most impressed with the manner in which all of these youngsters had stood up and collectively determined to "seize the day". Prop Mickey Paea turned in an inspiring performance and he took on a positive leadership role in Schubert's absence. Hooker George Ndaira relished the contest with his former team-mates and turned on a faultless goal-kicking display. Other forwards to impress on a day where everyone contributed were the imposing Nuuausala and backrowers Anthony Cherrington and Hep Cahill. Danny Williams and Steve Meredith did a stack of tackling against the huge Dragons pack. Halfback Rory Kostjasyn had one of his best games of the season, scoring a clever try and working hard in defence. Kenny-Dowall and Savage ran hard when in possession and winger Rhys Pritchard gave another very tidy performance on the left-side wing. Centre Vince Mellars took a decent crack on the chin that gave team medico Bassam Moses plenty of stitching practice in the medical room after the match. Players' playerStylish young five-eighth and Bondi United juniors product Tom Symonds was the deserved winner of the Alberto's Pizzeria Restaurant Players' Player award for the day. Next matchThe Newtown Jets are back at Henson Park again next Saturday, 25 August, in what will be their final competition match for the year. Next Saturday is also the ever-popular Newtown RLFC players and supporters annual reunion day. The Jets take on the Penrith Panthers with the VB Premier League action getting underway at 3.00pm. Match summaryNewtown 30 Rory Kostjasyn, James Shillington, Aaron Lai, Troy Savage, Tom Symonds tries; George Ndaira 5 goals St George-Illawarra 6 Matt Prior try; Ryan Powell goal.
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© Newtown Jets RLFC 2006 |