Foley played NSW Cup tonight. Grose went up I think.
Newtown won 42-28 after leading 28-20 at half time.
Wests failed to put the first penalty into touch and we were able to run into their half. We got a repeat set then scored a try to lead 6-0. The Maggies scored two quick tries and it was 10-6 very early on in the piece. We raced out to 28-10 but then let Wests in for two late tries (including one right on half time) to be just 28-20 in front at the break.
In the second half, the teams traded tries. Fortunately for us, we had easier conversions. Shannon Gallant came frighteningly close with his two conversions in the second half and so we ended up leading 40-28. Wests had several conversions out wide. Our right side defence was letting us down like it did against Norths.
The last 15 minutes were very nervous. Wests threw a lot at us. Waters, Gallant and Bennett ran the ball a lot and unfortunately for us we let them. There was a turning point with about ten to go. Wests lost the ball in a tackle but the ref ruled it went back. Hep Cahill went to pick it up uncontested but he knocked on - a crucial error as Wests had the scrum 30m out. Then Luke Milwood mouthed off as the scrum was packing and we were penalised. If Wests had scored from there I don't think we would have defended our lead. As it was they got several sets together but we were able to repel them. Final score was 42-28. We kicked a penalty after full time.
It's hard to find a standout for the Jets in these games. It's the sort of game where nobody sets the world on fire - the better players are the ones with the least mistakes. Mickey Paea, Steve Meredith, Jimmy Anderson and Ray Moujalli all tried. Sean Rudder didn't let the team down.
Great bunch of blokes at Wests. Yappy, sorry I didn't have time to speak to you even more. My ride back into town had to leave as soon as the hooter went. All the best to Wests for the rest of the year.
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