Newtown Rugby League Football Club - Established 1908
Rd22 - Jets set a leadership trend [38-26]
Game 3 - Tom Raudonikis Cup

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Match details

3.00 pm, Saturday, 7 August 2010

Campbelltown Stadium, Pembroke Rd, Leumeah

Meet the players

Photographic highlights

NSW Cup ladder [end of last round]

The Newtown Jets have moved to the top of the NSW Cup competition table after their 38-26 victory against Western Suburbs on Saturday, and following the surprise defeat of the previous leaders Canterbury-Bankstown by Cronulla-Sutherland.

The Jets set up a commanding 32-14 lead over the Magpies midway through the second half at Campbelltown Stadium, but they were nearly run down by their Foundation Club rivals late in the game. Newtown claimed the Tom Raudonikis Cup for 2010 as a result of this victory.

Tight first half

The first half was a willing contest, with Wests scoring two early tries to lead 8-0 after only ten minutes.

Newtown pulled back to 8-4 with a strong push-on-the-line try to second-rower, Aidan Guerra, but didn't take the lead until just eight minutes from half-time when five-eighth, Johnathon Ford, scored his first try and center, Tu'u Maori, converted.

The Jets went into the break 10-8 to the better.

Magpies push Jets hard second half

The Jets took a strong grip on the match when they laid on two classy converted tries early in the second half, thereby extending their lead to 22-8 - The first to barn-storming front-rower, James Koloamatangi, from a break by halfback, James Aubusson, and the second to Johnathon Ford, again off a break by second-rower, Brad Takairangi.

The Magpies pulled back with a converted try but Newtown looked to have the game in hand when tries to fullback, Luke Towers and winger, Troy Savage, blew the margin out to 32-14.

The never-say-die Magpies made life very uncomfortable for Newtown's rowdy supporters when they fought back with two converted tries to trail by 32-26 with five minutes left to play.

A late try to second-rower, Brad Barrett, sealed the win for the Jets and made the Magpies quest for a final four placing that much harder.

Coach's assessment

Newtown's coach Greg Matterson described his team's win as being 'patchy', with a number of satisfactory aspects being counter-balanced by some more ordinary elements within the Jets' performance.

He noted the recurring problems with his team's right-side defence which had been well-targeted by the Magpies' hard-running outside backs.

Front-rower James Koloamatangi was nominated as being Newtown's Man of the Match, with his 'go forward' and quick play the balls making an immediate impact when he was injected into the game.

Other players mentioned in dispatches were hooker Keith Peters, front-rower Ray Moujalli, second-rower Brad Takairangi [who was sporting a magnificent 'shiner' after the match] and five-eighth Johnathon Ford.

The team celebrates the winning of the Tom Raudonikis Cup with supporters.
Photo by John Biboudis

Match summary

Newtown Jets 38 [Johnathon Ford 2, Luke Towers, Trou Savage, Brad Barrett, Aidan Guerra, James Koloamatangi tries; Tu'u Maori 5 goals]

Western Suburbs Magpies 26 [5 tries, 3 goals]

Half-time; Jets led 10-8.

Officials: Referee, Henry Perenara; Touch Judges, Matt Damaso, Jimmy Oliveira.
Weather: Fine, cold, light breeze.
Playing surface: Excellent.

Next game

The Newtown Jets journey across the Tasman next weekend to take on the Auckland Vulcans on Saturday, 14th August at Mt Smart Stadium, with this 23rd round NSW Cup match getting underway at 10.30am AEST.


Who played?

1 Luke Towers [T1]
Sponsored by Scott Corporation
2 Sonny Tuigamala
Sponsored by Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville
3 Tu'u Maori [G5]
Sponsored by Charles Bailey, Ray White Inner West
4 Chris Tuatara-Morrison
Sponsored by Craig Leonard
5 Troy Savage [T1]
Sponsored by Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville
6 Johnathon Ford [T2]
Sponsored by Steve Helmich
7 James Aubusson
Sponsored by Brett Scelly
8 Lopini Paea
Sponsored by John Cahill
9 Keith Peters
Sponsored by Soil N Stuff
14 Ray Moujalli
Sponsored by Dave Nelson
11 Brad Barrett [T1]
Sponsored by Earlwood Auto Electrical & Mechanical Repairs
12 Aidan Guerra [T1]
Sponsored by Matthew Borg
13 Jason Baitieri ©
Sponsored by Jennifer Malone

Interchange

15 Jason Wells
Sponsored by BRI Ferrier
17 James Koloamatangi [T1]
Sponsored by Trevor & AJ Folsom
20 Brad Takairangi
Sponsored by Labelcraft, Leichhardt
22 Nick Doig
Sponsored by Undercover Music
21 Ryan Verlinden [DNP] Sponsored by LHD Lawyers
16 Tinirau Arona [DNP] Sponsored by De Bortoli Wines
19 Richard Kambo [DNP] Sponsored by Good Fellows

Coach: Greg Matterson