Match details
3.00 pm, Saturday, 7 May 2011
Campbelltown Stadium, Pembroke Rd, Leumeah
Meet the players & coaching staff
NSW Cup ladder [end of last round]
Browse moment-by-moment game action in Gary Sutherland's match gallery or view game highlights in the Mike Bidboudis photo slideshow.
A strong second half performance from the Newtown Jets enabled them to storm home to a 44-30 win against Western Suburbs, in the 9th round NSW Cup match played at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.
The score was tied up 18-all at halftime after Wests had been the better team in the first half, and an upset looked to be on the cards. The Magpies had scored four tries to three and Newtown had once again turned over too much possession and given away penalties in their own half.
Coach's half-time 'chat' inspires his team
Newtown coach, Greg Matterson, demanded more commitment and energy from his players in the second half. He pointed out that the Magpies had been winning the rucks and playing the ball faster and he urged the Newtown players to lift their intensity and the pace of their game.
The Jets certainly responded, putting on three unanswered tries in the first ten minutes of the second half. The result was still in the balance at the 60th minute with Newtown leading 32-24, but two converted tries early in the fourth quarter guaranteed a Jets win and also possession of the Tom Raudonikis Cup for the 2011 season.
Coaching staff assessment
After the game Newtown's coaching staff acknowledged the team's improvement in the second half but warned that a repeat of Saturday's lethargic first half might prove to be fatal against the fast-improving Windsor Wolves.
The coaching staff rated team captain, Khalid Deeb, and backrowers, Aidan Guerra, Brad Takairangi and Brad Barrett, as being Newtown's best forwards, along with Willie Mataka, Blake Lazarus and Rhys Pritchard in the backs.
The Jets welcomed winger and prodigal son, Byron Ford, back into the fold on Saturday after his extended lay-off from playing duties.
Match summary
Newtown 44 [Willie Mataka 2, Rhys Pritchard 2, Khalid Deeb, Johnathon Ford, Blake Lazarus, Scott Jones tries;
Brett Lane 6 goals]
Western Suburbs 30 [6 tries; 3 goals]
Half-Time: 18-all.
Officials: Referee, Michael Laverty; Touch Judges, Lawrence McDonnell, Matt Damaso.
Weather: sunny and mild; playing surface: excellent.
Next game
The Jets return to Henson Park next Saturday, 14 May, where a NSW Cup double-header is to be staged. Cronulla-Sutherland and Western Suburbs meet in the early match at 1.00pm, with the Newtown Jets set to take on the in-form Windsor Wolves in the main game at 3.00pm.
Team list
1 |
Rhys Pritchard
Sponsored by Scott Corporation |
2 |
Brett Lane
Sponsored by Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville |
3 |
Willie Mataka
Sponsored by Charles Bailey, Ray White Inner West |
4 |
Francis Vaiotu
Sponsored by Wyong Golf Club Brasserie |
5 |
Sione Taka
Sponsored by Golden Barley Hotel, Marrickville |
6 |
Johnathon Ford
Sponsored by Steve Helmich |
7 |
Blake Lazarus
Sponsored by Craig Leonard |
8 |
Francis Tuigamala
Sponsored by WFM Motors |
15 |
Kurt Kara
Sponsored by John Cahill |
10 |
Khalid Deeb ©
Sponsored by Dave Nelson |
11 |
Aidan Guerra
Sponsored by LHD Lawyers |
12 |
Brad Barretti
Sponsored by Premier Bowling Greens |
9 |
Byron Fruean
Sponsored by Jennifer Malone |
Interchange
One to be omitted
Coach: Greg Matterson
|