The Newtown Jets have notched their first win of 2018 with a solid 24-12 victory over St George Illawarra in their round two Intrust Super Premiership match.
The Jets hung in during a scoreless first 30 minutes, before getting on top at the back end of the first half then going on with the job in the second 40 minutes.
Running into a stiff southerly breeze it took until the 30th minute for the first points to be posted, the Scott Sorensen crossing to put the Jets on top.
The conversion attempt from a difficult angle drifted wide in the breeze and the Jets led 4-0.
Now with their tails up Newtown would again go on the attack and after gaining a repeat set of six tackles managed to double their advantage, this time it was Will Kennedy on the end of chain of passes who would dive out 10 metres to the left of the uprights.
Jets half back Jesse Marschke couldn't add the extras and the Newtown side would take an 8-0 lead to half time.
Now with the wind at their backs the Jets went on the attack, however against the run of play the Dragons would strike back, Jai Field making a long break down field, only to be reeled in by an Edrick Lee try saver, before Adam Clune sliced through to score on the next play.
The conversion was successful and the Dragons had pulled within two at 8-6 down.
Following an error from the Dragons soon after the Jets would pull away again, Blayke Brailey diving over under the posts after a scrum win from 10-metres out.
This time Marschke was successful and it was 14-6 Jets with 20 minutes of the match remaining.
Pressing home their advantage the Jets added to their lead, this time it was through a clever backline movement, Anthony Moraitis throwing the last pass for Lee to score in the north-eastern corner.
The kick at goal was waved away, making the score 18-6 to the Jets.
The Dragons edged closer when back rower Jackson Ford scored, converted by Field and at 18-12 after 70 minutes the Jets would be forced to fight for their first win of the 2018 season.
And fight they did, Wes Lolo confirming the win when he crashed through some flimsy Dragons defence to touch down.
The Jets had a number of outstanding performers, with Brailey enterprising out of dummy half, Jack Williams solid on the left edge and Edrick Lee playing well on the right wing. Kennedy also backed up his strong effort in round one with another classy display at the back.
Following a one-point loss against the Wyong Roos in round one the Jets move to two competition points.
NEWTOWN JETS 24
Scott Sorensen, Will Kennedy, Blayke Brailey, Edrick Lee, Wes Lolo tries, Jesse Marschke 2 goals
beat
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 12
