Newtown Rugby League Football Club - Established 1908
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Halfback Blake Davies kicks off the new season for the Newtown Jets and also gives us a good look at the splendid livery of the new Front of Jersey Sponsor, SCU More Generous Banking. |
First half starts with try-scoring blitz
The Jets flew from the blocks with five-eighth Trent Trotter scoring from the kick-off as the Bulldogs failed to cover the awkwardly bouncing ball.
Centre Brett Lane pounced on wayward Bulldogs passes and raced away for two long-distance tries, with all three of these early Newtown tries being converted from wide out by halfback Blake Davies.
Lane might not have the running action of a Stawell Gift winner but he proved yesterday, as on several occasions in 2011, that he can cover the ground effectively.
Almost on halftime five-eighth Trent Trotter darted through the Bulldogs' defensive cordon and sent fullback Jason McGrady away to the line. McGrady, who hails originally from Toomelah in north-western NSW, bears a surname that is very well known in Rugby League circles.
Rain affects second half handling but not outcome
The persistent rain affected the players' handling in the second half with Newtown adding a converted try to their tally late in the game - Brett Lane secured his hat-trick when he swerved around the Bulldogs fullback and dashed through wrong-footed defence to score just prior to fulltime.
Coach's assessment
Third and final TrialThe Newtown Jets take on Balmain at Campbelltown Sports Stadium next Saturday, 18 February. Our VB NSW Cup trial kicks off at 3.30pm and precedes the Wests Tigers-Roosters Toyota Cup and NRL trial matches. Come and support your team! Get your tickets through Proticket on 1300 12 10 12 or online through the Proticket website. |
Jets coach Greg Matterson said after the match that while it was gratifying to post a comfortable win in front of a good crowd, he was even more pleased with the determined on-line defence shown by his players.
As he noted, the Bulldogs scored their only try from a kick and the Jets defended resolutely in their own quarter for extended periods in both halves.
He was also pleased with the effective go-forward displayed by his big men who made good ground through the midfield.
Several triallists made favourable impressions yesterday as the race for selection in Newtown's squad for the opening VB NSW Cup competition round intensifies.
Match summary
Newtown 28 [Brett Lane 3, Trent Trotter, Jason McGrady tries; Blake Davies 3, Trent Trotter goals]
Canterbury-Bankstown 6 [Kose Lelei try and goal]
Half-time: Newtown led 22-6.
Who took the field for Newtown
Jason McGrady, Byron Ford, Sam Latu, Reece Jaeger, Sam Aiga, Francis Vaiotu, Isaac Dargon, Jason Cook, Brett Lane, Trent Trotter, Blake Davies, Nick Ehsman, Jack Bosden, Louis Vaiotu, Ahmad Ellaz, Blake Williamson, Josh Ailiaomai, David Uhi, Matt Hall, Khalid Deeb, Ryan Verlinden, Isaac Maliota, Andrew Pearn, Saulala Houma, Kurt Kara.
We were there!!
What an afternoon for the Bluebags. A try within seconds of kickoff, three tries to Brett Lane - two intercepts with length of field dashes - strong performances from young triallists like Trent Trotter, great halfback play by a new face, Blake Davies, some really well-constructed tries, and finally amazing defence.
And WHAT defence! Many times, the Jets turned big charging Bulldogs players at the line when a try seemed inevitable. Many times they tackled so resolutely that the opposition struggled to make ground down field.
How good it is to be a Newtown supporter in a sea of Bulldogs when your team works so hard for each other and for the jersey. Great work, boys!