1.30 pm, Saturday, 4 April
WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah
Players gallery
Game highlights
First half dominated on the scoreboard by St George
St George's 3 tries came at regular intervals in the first half and it looked as though the young Jets were in for a disappointing afternoon.
The Jets had periods of possession on the Dragons' line but could not convert that possession into points.
When Samson Manu'a dived at the line beside the posts mid-way through the first half, the Jets appeared to score but the try was disallowed as a double movement.
The missed try was unfortunate because at that stage, St George led by only 12-0 and despite the two St George tries, the young Jets' work in defence was forcing errors from their heavier opponents.
The Jets' first try came just before half-time after the Dragons third try. Five-eigth, Tom Dawney, pushed a low grubber into the in-goal in the left corner and Dane Atkinson took it well to score. Jacob Miller's kick into the strong wind missed the mark and the Jets went to the break, down 18-4.
Jets win second half but fight-back not enough
The Jets showed even greater determination in the second half, showing good variety in attack without relenting in defence.
Both halves were busy and effective. The second try came from a kick 20 metres out by Jacob Miller. The kick looked like it was going into the in goal just to the left of the posts but the ball hit the left goal post and bounced into the arms of Nick Ehsman who scored. The try was converted by Jacob Miller.
The Dragons scored again out wide, on the back of their big forwards rolling down field. This time, the conversion kick into the strong southerly missed the mark.
The Jets' third try was a beautiful centre-wing combination. Asipeli Fine received the ball and ran through a hole in the left-hand side Dragon defence. He held his pass to his winger, Paul Rokolati, till the last minute - beautiful timing. Paul Rokolati ran down the touchline but was being threatened by two Dragon defenders, whom he deceived with a great side-step, slipping in to ground the ball halfway between the touchline and the posts - a great try which Jacob Miller converted.
Late in the second half, it still looked as though the young Jets might yet spring a surprise victory but time beat them.
A strong team effort
Despite the loss, the young Jets can be proud of the effort they put in. They never gave in. They received a penalty as the hooter blew and kicked well into the St George half. From the restart they tried to get the ball moving across the field but were well contained and the final bomb was diffused by the Dragons.
Match summary
Newtown 16 [Dane Atkinson, Nick Ehsman, Paul Rokolati tries; Jacob Miller 2 goals]
St George 22 [4 tries, 3 goals]
Half-time; Dragons led 18-4.
Overcast, strong cold southerly blowing. Ground in good condition.
Who played?
1 | Jack Littlejohn |
2 | Paul Rokolati |
3 | Asipeli Fine |
4 | Dane Atkinson |
14 | Eddy Elzbaidieh |
6 | Tom Dawney |
7 | Jacob Miller |
16 | Lepuha Paseka |
9 | Steve Blakemore |
10 | Samson Manu'a |
11 | Ethan Lowe |
12 | Jared Cherrington |
13 | Nick Ehsman |
Interchange
17 | Kane Evans |
18 | Tevita Kaci |
19 | Dylan Strickland |
24 | Halaiano Suluka |
Coach: Joel Greig
Assistant Coach: Sean Rudder
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