This game was a match up between two foundation clubs and with both teams
recording a win in the first round each camp was keen to take away the two
competition points.
Although rain was a factor in the lead up to this game, Campbelltown Sports
Stadiums curator presented a very good playing surface.
The game got off at a cracking pace and it was the Magpies who took full
advantage of a repeat set after half Rhys Lenarduzzi put in a well weighted kick
into the Jets in goal area. From the ensuing line drop out, the Magpies forwards
attacked the Jets line. On the last tackle, Wests fullback Ben Jeffery saw the
Jets defense come up quickly which gave him the opportunity to kick behind
their line. Wide running second row forward Josh Davis seized this chance,
outpacing the Jets players before diving on the ball for a four pointer. The
conversion attempt was waved away. With 8 minutes on the clock, the Magpies
led 4 points to Jets 0.
The score line remained unchanged for the next twenty minutes or so during
which time both teams turned over possession, but dogged defense prevented
the other from gaining the ascendancy.
After being held up on the Magpies line for a number of sets, the Jets went to
the air with an immediate result. Several players contested the ball, but it was
the Jets who came up trumps to level the score at 4 all.
This was set to be the only points of the first half, but with 10 seconds left on
the clock, Jets half Mark Kheirallah put in a ‘banana kick’ which was taken by
fullback Rhys Pritchard who put the ball down under the Magpies black dot.
With the conversion attempt being successful, the Jets went into the minor break
leading 10 to 4. Dropped ball and a penalty count 6 to 3 against did not assist
the Magpies.
The second half was 9 minutes old when Jets half Kheirallah put in a 40/20 kick.
After winning the scrum, a Jets play carried the ball forward before sliding over
the line for their third try of the afternoon. The conversion attempt was again
waved away. Jets 14 Magpies 4.
A few minutes later Wests set up play on the Jets 10 metre line after receiving
a relieving penalty. After going close on a couple of times, it was replacement
forward David Harris who got his team back into the game after he forced his
way over the line. Lenarduzzi took the two points. Jets 14 Magpies 10.
2.
On the back of a penalty, the Jets were in good field position close to the
Magpies try line. On the last tackle they decided to run the ball. After passing it
along the backline their wing three quarter forced his way over the try line. With
the failed conversion attempt, the Jets increased their lead 18 to 10.
With ten minutes left on the clock, the Magpies still had time to come up with
the win and when a Jets player fumbled the ball close to his try line they got
their chance. Jolly on the spot was Magpies five eight Ryan Millard who picked
up the loose ball and in one motion dived over for a great try. Lenarduzzi guided
the ball between the posts from a wide angle. With the score line reading
Jets 18 Magpies 16, the crowd sensed the Magpies could pull off the win, but
time was against the boys and as the hooter rang, it was the Jets who claimed
victory.
Scorers for the Magpies – tried to Josh Davis, David Harris and Ryan Millard
with Rhys Lenarduzzi kicking three goals from four attempts.
Leos best – Andrew Everingham.
Players’ player – Cassiano Jnr Aiga.
NEXT GAME – 3PM SATURDAY 26 MARCH 2011 WESTS MAGPIES VS.
NORTH SYDNEY BEARS, CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM.
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