Round 3
Newtown Jets 34 d. Canberra Raiders 24

2006 VB NSWRL Premier League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats]

Location: Australia > New South Wales > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: VB NSWRL Premier League

Jets hang on in tough encounter with Raiders
Mon March 27, 2006
Source: Newtown Jets

The Newtown Jets claimed two valuable competition points when they defeated the Canberra Raiders 34-24 in Saturday?s hard-fought VB Premier League match at Henson Park.

Newtown had led by 18-10 at half-time and looked to be in command with a 34-20 lead midway through the second half. Canberra soon narrowed the margin to 34-24 and really put it to the Jets for the remainder of the match. Only a couple of narrowly-missed scoring opportunities by the Raiders prevented what could have a desperately close finish to this fiercely-contested encounter.

Jets half-back Josh Lewis had an outstanding game in the sort of display that gives truth to the old adage of "having an old head on young shoulders". His on-field generalship and territory-finding kicking game were major factors in Newtown?s win, not to mention yet another excellent goal kicking performance. Lock forward Setaimata Sa's first half class-act proved beyond doubt what a fine prospect this young player is. Sa scored three tries and might have claimed a fourth barring a marginal forward pass ruling. Second rowers Steve Meredith and Mark Edmondson impressed with their work-rate and both really stood up against well-organised and determined opposition. Edmondson, formerly with champion UK club St. Helens, is starting to stake a claim for an NRL position. Forwards Ritchie Parker and David Vial were late call-ups from the Jim Beam Cup ranks and both made solid contributions in the tough going in the second half.

Newtown's coach Paul Young expressed guarded satisfaction at his team?s continued improvement in the past three weeks. Young observed that this was a valuable win against an opposition that had plenty of players with recent NRL experience and a team that is likely to be a contender for a competition top four position.

The Jets Jim Beam Cup squad had been weakened by several late changes and went down 26-18 in Saturday?s trial match at Henson Park against Wentworthville. Newtown coach Greg Matterson was looking for fewer errors and more composure despite the impact made by the late team changes, but is confident that the Jets will field a strong side for the competition?s opening round.


Newtown plays away to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles next Saturday evening (April 1st) at Brookvale Oval, with this fourth round VB Premier League match due to start at 5:15pm. Newtown's Jim Beam Cup squad will play their final trial match against Belrose at the Lionel Watts Reserve next Saturday, with this game kicking off at 2:00pm.

There's still time to get your entries in for the Bumper Farrell Autumn Golf Classic at Marrickville Golf Course on Wednesday, 5th April, teeing off at 8.00am. Call the Newtown RLFC office on 1300 36 36 90 to obtain more details about reserving your team's place.

Advanced Search