Despite being without three of their four NSW Residents representative players from last weekend, the Newtown Jets have proved far too good for Wentworthville in registering a 50-24 win at Henson Park.
The Jets were unstoppable in the opening 40 minutes, running in six first half tries in setting up a 34-4 lead, before going on with the job in the second period in what was a total demolition of a disappointing Magpies outfit.
Three of those first half tries came from 17-year-old centre Bronson Xerri, playing his first senior game for the Jets, with the youngster outstanding out on the lefthand side for Newtown. He could have had a fourth four-pointer in the second half, only to be denied by the referee for a dubious obstruction decision.
With his first touch of the football in a Newtown jersey Xerri sliced through to notch the first try of the afternoon and when the Magpies responded shortly after it appeared a competitive afternoon was on the cards.
Controlling the ball and dominating field position the Jets put the pressure on and the Magpies cracked, Xerri scoring a second through some paper-thin defence before skipper Anthony Moraitis barged over from dummy half and the avalanche of points had begun.
Winger Clinton Schaafhausen would score when exploring an overlap out wide, Blayke Brailey pounced on a loose ball and ran 40-metres for another try, before Xerri crossed for his third of the afternoon on the end of a smart backline move.
Centre Addison Demetriou kicked five goals from his six first half attempts and the Jets would lead by 30 points at the break.
Moraitis and Schaafhausen would both score second tries and when Demetriou pushed his way over from dummy half then converted it was 50-8 with still more than 20 minutes of the match to go.
Coach Greg Matterson then replaced Brailey, who assumed a position on the bench alongside Kyle Flanagan, Aaron Gray and Kurt Dillon, his NSW Residents teammates from a week ago who were rested from the game, youngster Xerri also came off early for a head injury assessment and the Magpies were able to restore some pride with a couple of late tries.
However the result was never in doubt, with Newtown claiming a dominating win as well as a nice boost to their for and against with the 50-24 victory.
For the Jets Brailey was outstanding at hooker, Will Kennedy brilliant at fullback, having a role in a number of his teams scoring plays, while Billy Magnolias was busy at lock, then in deputising for Brailey at hooker. Briton Nikora was also a handful playing right edge back row for Newtown.
It was a performance which proved the Sharks depth is certainly in good order, with the youngsters knocking on the door of NRL selection all impressive on the day.
The Jets consolidated their place inside the top eight of the Intrust Super Premiership with the win. They play the Knights at Henson Park next week.
JETS 50
Bronson Xerri 3, Anthony Moraitis 2, Clinton Schaafhausen 2, Addison Demetriou, Blayke Brailey tries, Addison Demetriou 7 goals
beat
WENTORTHVILLE 24
Photo courtesy Bryden Sharp Photography
