The Wyong Kangaroos joined the VB NSW Cup for the 2013 season and have defied the more pessimistic predictions as to their performances in their debut season.
At home at the Morry Breen Oval on Sunday, Wyong was decisively beaten by one of the competitions form teams, the Newtown Jets. The defending premiers defeated Wyong 40-6, after leading 26-0 at halftime.
Newtowns forward pack has been most impressive in recent weeks and took control early in Sundays match, forcing Wyong to play much of the first quarter in their own territory. The Jets were well in command as winger Usaia OSullivan registered two tries and halfback Ryley Jacks and in-form front-rower Kane Evans scored a try each. Left-side winger Paul Rokolati added another try just prior to halftime and with his three conversions from five attempts, Newtown led 26-0. The Jets had a 65% share of possession in the first half and the penalties went Newtowns way by 7-1.
Jets coach Greg Matterson impressed on his players to go in for the kill and to maximise their points for tally. Dont take your boots off their throats was basically the command for the second half. No doubt many of the Newtown supporters who had made the northern trek remembered several less than successful visits to the Morry Breen Oval in recent seasons, admittedly against opponents other than Wyong.
The Jets added three more tries in the second half, with OSullivan claiming his third and Rokolati scoring two more, ensuring that both Newtown flankmen scored hat-tricks. Newtown then had to sustain a fightback by the Wyong team, who showed no lack of courage and determination in taking the contest right back to the bigger Newtown pack. Inevitably after having led 26-0 at halftime there was some reduction in intensity by the Newtown team, with some evidence of overly-adventurous ball play, loose carries and some careless play the balls. The Jets completed 12 out of 19 sets in the second half and the penalty pendulum swung 5-2 to Wyong.
The Newtown coaching staff made mention of the tremendous effort put in by all the Jets forwards, both in possession and in brutalising the Wyong ball-carriers. Dylan Napa was a late withdrawal and hardman Josh Ailaomai had the rare distinction of being put on report twice - and then being cleared of the charges on the Monday. Ryley Jacks controlled play well from halfback and the two wingers OSullivan and Rokolati deserve special mention for their three tries apiece.
The Newtown Jets make a welcome return to Henson Park next Saturday (22nd June) for what is shaping up as the VB NSW Cup match of the season thus far. Newtowns opponents are the undefeated Cronulla Sharks and even though both clubs are affected by State of Origin selections, this match really is the Jets v Sharks West Side Story rumble par excellence. Kick-off time at Henson Park this Saturday is 3.00pm.
At home at the Morry Breen Oval on Sunday, Wyong was decisively beaten by one of the competitions form teams, the Newtown Jets. The defending premiers defeated Wyong 40-6, after leading 26-0 at halftime.
Newtowns forward pack has been most impressive in recent weeks and took control early in Sundays match, forcing Wyong to play much of the first quarter in their own territory. The Jets were well in command as winger Usaia OSullivan registered two tries and halfback Ryley Jacks and in-form front-rower Kane Evans scored a try each. Left-side winger Paul Rokolati added another try just prior to halftime and with his three conversions from five attempts, Newtown led 26-0. The Jets had a 65% share of possession in the first half and the penalties went Newtowns way by 7-1.
Jets coach Greg Matterson impressed on his players to go in for the kill and to maximise their points for tally. Dont take your boots off their throats was basically the command for the second half. No doubt many of the Newtown supporters who had made the northern trek remembered several less than successful visits to the Morry Breen Oval in recent seasons, admittedly against opponents other than Wyong.
The Jets added three more tries in the second half, with OSullivan claiming his third and Rokolati scoring two more, ensuring that both Newtown flankmen scored hat-tricks. Newtown then had to sustain a fightback by the Wyong team, who showed no lack of courage and determination in taking the contest right back to the bigger Newtown pack. Inevitably after having led 26-0 at halftime there was some reduction in intensity by the Newtown team, with some evidence of overly-adventurous ball play, loose carries and some careless play the balls. The Jets completed 12 out of 19 sets in the second half and the penalty pendulum swung 5-2 to Wyong.
The Newtown coaching staff made mention of the tremendous effort put in by all the Jets forwards, both in possession and in brutalising the Wyong ball-carriers. Dylan Napa was a late withdrawal and hardman Josh Ailaomai had the rare distinction of being put on report twice - and then being cleared of the charges on the Monday. Ryley Jacks controlled play well from halfback and the two wingers OSullivan and Rokolati deserve special mention for their three tries apiece.
The Newtown Jets make a welcome return to Henson Park next Saturday (22nd June) for what is shaping up as the VB NSW Cup match of the season thus far. Newtowns opponents are the undefeated Cronulla Sharks and even though both clubs are affected by State of Origin selections, this match really is the Jets v Sharks West Side Story rumble par excellence. Kick-off time at Henson Park this Saturday is 3.00pm.
