Bouncing back from an early 12-0 deficit the Newtown Jets have scored a 22-18 victory over the Western Suburbs Magpies in their trial match played at Campbelltown Stadium.
With a number of Sharks contracted players on the paddock early in the first half it was the Magpies who got the jump on their opponents, two tries getting the attention of the Jets who responded positively to score three first half tries and take a lead they would defend until the full time siren.
The Magpies struck the first blow when winger Wilson Heleta accepted an intercept on his own 20 metre line and dashed away to score. The try, which came against the run of play was converted and Wests led 6-0.
The home team doubled its advantage with a soft try from close range through the centre of the Newtown ruck and after a second successful conversion it was 12-0 to the Magpies.
The remainder of the first half however was dominated by the Newtown side, with Jesse Ramien creating havoc at right centre and Scott Sorensen running strongly down the left.
It was the latter who would score first for the Jets, crashing over with a determined run and when Jesse Marscke added the extras it was 12-6 to the Western Suburbs side.
Soon after the Jets would level, Briton Nikora hitting a gap off a well-timed Jack Williams pass and with the subsequent kick it was 12 points all with half time approaching.
However just when it appeared the teams would go to the break all tied up it was Nikora again touching down with Newtown heading to the sheds up by four.
Newtown would add to their advantage 15 minutes into the second half when Will Kennedy took an intercept and ran 40 metres to score then with just eight remaining Wests would make a game of it when outside back Sam McIntyre won the race to a grubber kick to touch down wide out.
The conversion attempt from near touch was on target, taking the score to 22-18 Jets and setting up a grandstand finish.
Surviving a few anxious moments the Jets would hold on and record a 22-18 win, that result coming on the back of a 22-all draw with the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles the week before.
The Jets are away from home for their season opener on March 10, traveling to Wyong to play the Roos at Morrie Breen Oval.
Jets 22
Briton Nikora 2, Scott Sorensen, Will Kennedy tries, Jesse Marscke 3 goals
beat
Wests Magpies 18
