Western Suburbs Magpies have continued their winning run, defeating North Sydney Bears 36-16 to comfortably claim the Jason Taylor Cup at North Sydney Oval.
Both heritage sides took their time easing into the contest before the Magpies hit the board. Smooth passing from the reshuffled spine saw rising star Reece Hoffman stroll over untouched, placing Western Suburbs six points ahead inside the first 10 minutes of the contest.
Disaster almost followed the kick-off for the Magpies, with the ball being allowed to bounce into touch. Norths were unable to capitalise from the ensuing set, instead, Wests charged downfield to extend the lead when enforcer Kelma Tuilagi was sent through a gaping hole down the right edge.
Needing to score next, the Bears began to throw the ball around. It paid off as Jason Taylor’s side registered their first points, with Tom Carr diving over in the right corner. To the disappointment of the proud North Sydney fans, he was unable to convert his try.
Looking to hit back and edge further ahead, a smart grubber kick sat up on a dime for half Joseph Taipari, allowing him to score down the right edge with Zach Docker-Clay converting to extend the Magpies lead to 18-4.
The momentum continued to flow with Wests, as they pushed 20 points clear of Norths through when monster forward Tukimihia Simpkins crashed over close to the line. Docker-Clay continued his impressive form with the boot as he converted to make it 4/4 as the Magpies headed into the sheds leading 24-4.
Heading out for the second half, both sides got into an arm wrestle as they tried to dominate field position, although errors slowly started to creep into the match.
With 30 minutes remaining, the Bears held onto hopes of a miraculous comeback. It was Naufahu Whyte who gave them hope as he crashed over for Norths second try, reducing the deficit to 14.
Proving to be a handful close to the line, Magpies second-rower Kelma Tuilagi dove over the line again, picking up his second try of the night.
Not wanting to give the Bears an inch, Western Suburbs remained on the attack as the final 15 minutes ticked away. Despite the Bears desperate efforts in defence, a horrid bounce resulted in the ball finding its way into the arms of Joseph Taipari, who also sealed a double, bringing the score to 36-10 after another successful conversion from Docker-Clay
The Bears continued to chance their hand and came desperately close to scoring in the right corner after only the trailing foot of Tom Carr denied the winger. However, Carr was over moments later for Norths after taking a beautiful ball that floated over the top ball and sent him down the left hand touch line.
Despite the Bears putting some respectability in the scoreline, It was too little too late as Western Suburbs extended their winning streak run to seven matches, cruising to an impressive 36-16 victory and claiming the JT cup from Jason Taylor's Bears.
