By Patrick Staveley (NSW Rugby League)
The Newtown Jets have retained their spot at the top of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder with a 32-10 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons at Henson Park.
The Jets were off to a flyer when rugged hooker Jayden Berrell scored a superb solo try after just five minutes.
It took until the 22nd minute for the Jets to cross again when centre Addison Demetriou finished off a quick left-side shift from the Newtown backline.
Then the highlight of the game came a few minutes later when Luke Metcalf created something out of nothing, scoring a scintillating, long-range try.
A try to Dragons outside back Max Feagai late in the first half, reduced the deficit to 16-4. The Dragons gained more momentum in the second half when Berrell was sent to the sin-bin, which led to a Shalom O’Ofou try and brought the margin back to just six points.
St George Illawarra, however, failed to capitalise on any further chances from that point.
The Jets then ran away with the contest after rampaging tries to forwards Charbel Tasipale and Franklin Pele, and one more four-pointer to winger Matt Ikuvalu.
Talking points
The score may have been decisive in the end, but the Dragons put up an admirable fight for the majority of the match.
The visitors dominated field position and possession early on but were turned away several times by the desperate defence of the Jets, confirming why the competition leaders remain such tough opponents.
Key moment
Ultimately it was Luke Metcalf’s sensational try that set the game alight, establishing a 16-0 lead for the Jets and making it that much harder for the Dragons to chase down.
The brilliant five-eighth burst through the Dragons' line and showed genuine pace to beat the opposition fullback for a thrilling long-range touch-down.
What's next?
The Jets have the bye next weekend in Round 22, with Newtown preparing themselves for the final two competition rounds.
Newtown 32:
Jayden Berrell, Addison Demetriou, Luke Metcalf, Charbel Tasipale, Franklin Pele, Matt Ikuvalu tries:
Mawene Hiroti 2, Luke Metcalf 2 goals
defeated
St George-Illawarra 10:
Max Feagai, Shalom O’Ofou tries;
Kamren Cryer 1 goal.
Half-Time: Newtown led 16-4.
NSWRL Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Highlights
Jets v Dragons, Round 21, Henson Park, Saturday, 6th August 2022:
CLICK HERE
Newtown’s team was:
Fullback: Kayal Iro
Wingers: Matt Ikuvalu, Jensen Taumoepeau
Centres: Mawene Hiroti, Addison Demetriou
Halves: Luke Metcalf, Rhys Davies
Lock: Billy Magoulias
Second-Rowers: Charbel Tasipale, Kayne Kalache
Front-Rowers: Tommy Hazelton, Jesse Colquhoun
Hooker: Jayden Berrell.
Interchange: Kurt Dillon, Reubenn Rennie, Caleb Uele, Franklin Pele.
18th man: Liam Harris.
Head Coach: Greg Matterson.
St George-Illawarra:
Fullback: Treigh Stewart
Wingers: Jonathon Reuben, Alexander Lobb
Centres: Ethan Clark-Wood, Max Feagai
Halves: Jayden Sullivan, Kamren Cryer
Lock: Jackson Ford
Second-Rowers: Billy Burns, Jack Gosiewski
Front-Rowers: Joshua Coric, Jaiyden Hunt
Hooker: Zach Herring.
Interchange: Poasa Faamausili, Toby Couchman, Shalom O’Ofou, Sam Hooper.
18th man: Lucas Castle.
Coach: Russell Aitken.
Match Timeline:
First half: -
St George-Illawarra kicked off, running to the northern end.
5th minute: Jayden Berrell try.
7th minute: Mawene Hiroti conversion. Newtown 6-0.
22nd minute: Addison Demetriou try.
24th minute: Mawene Hiroti conversion. Newtown 12-0.
28th minute: Luke Metcalf try, not converted. Newtown 16-0.
37th minute: Max Feagai try, not converted. Newtown 16-4.
Half-Time: Newtown led 16-4.
Second Half: -
54th minute: Shalom O’Ofou try.
55th minute: Kamren Cryer conversion. Newtown 16-10.
60th minute: Charbel Tasipale try.
62nd minute: Luke Metcalf conversion. Newtown 22-10.
74th minute: Franklin Pele try.
76th minute: Luke Metcalf conversion. Newtown 28-10.
77th minute: Matt Ikuvalu try. Not converted. Newtown 32-10.
Full-Time: Newtown won by 32-10.
Franklin Pele was placed on report late in the first half.
Jayden Berrell was sin-binned early in the second half.
Newtown has a bye in Round 22 (next weekend).
Newtown’s next game:
NSWRL Knock-On Effect NSW Cup – 23rd Round
Saturday, 20th August 2022
4 Pines Park (Brookvale Oval)
Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles v Newtown
Kick-Off: 3.15pm.
