Jets strong second half proves a winner

Saturday’s fine weather attracted a big crowd to Henson Park for the NSW Cup double-header.
In the early game, the Cronulla Sharks defeated Manly-Warringah 27-20 after the Sharks had led 20-0. In the main fixture, the Newtown Jets found it tough going in the first half against a determined Western Suburbs team. The Jets led 6-0 at halftime but took control of the game in the second half to pull away to a comfortable 28-0 win.

Newtown lacked cohesion in the first half and missed several scoring opportunities. The Jets spent a lot of time in Wests territory with no points dividend, and the score remained at nil-all until the 31st minute before playmaker Brad Takairangi put new signing Sam Latu in at the southern right-hand corner.

Newtown had turned the ball over 3 times in their first 5 sets in what was a rather lacklustre first half performance. During the halftime break coach Greg Matterson urged his players to draw inspiration from lock Ahmad Ellaz and hooker Kurt Kara who had both turned in top-class first half performances.

The Jets responded to the support from their big home crowd and tries early in the second half to fullback Mark Kheirallah and Kurt Kara , both converted by halfback Brett Lane, put Newtown in command with an 18-0 lead. Five-eighth Johnathon Ford had his best game this season and there was much more precision and control in his kicking game.
Newtown gained five repeat sets in the second half through well-directed kicks into Wests’ in-goal, forcing a much heavier defensive workload on the Magpies. This fatigue factor no doubt contributed to errors by Wests as they tried to play catch-up football in the last twenty minutes.

Newtown’s coaching staff nominated young lock forward Ahmad Ellaz as the player of the match. Ellaz has been in great form in recent weeks and is proving to be one of the finds of the NSW Cup season.
Other forwards who stood out in what was a good overall team display were the ever-reliable Tinirau Arona, Kurt Kara and Khalid Deeb. Johnno Ford, Francis Vaiotu and Brad Takairangi were the best of the backs and winger Sam Latu, who had transferred to the Jets from Balmain during the week, scored 2 tries on his debut.

The Jets now join the rest of the NSW Cup clubs in a general bye this coming weekend (2nd/3rd July), and then have their own scheduled bye on the following weekend (9th/10th July).
Newtown’s next NSW Cup match will be away to the Balmain Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, 16th July at 3pm. This inner-west local derby will decide the winners of the Trevor Ryan-Neil Pringle Shield for 2011.

Glen Dwyer for Jets Media

28/06/2011 10:56:06 AM

Few changes to both sides game-casters. Kane Linnett is out for Newtown and he is replaced by Brad Takairangi and for Wests, Ryan Millard's withdrawal forces Leo Epifania into a backline reshuffle. Gus Aiga back to fullback, Josh Davis into the centres and Levi Pulu comes off the bench.
1st Minute: Gus Aiga drops the ball off the kick off and the Jets are on the attack early on.
3rd Minute: Sam Latu's first touch for his new Club is a good one as he returns the ball with interest for the Jets. Wests also have a debutant in Arthur Little.
12th Minute: Still a bit of an arm wrestle here as Sam Latu leaps above Lance Siataga to take a bomb. The maggies were offside and referee Shane Charman makes them pay. Newtown have the ball on the halfway on tackle 2
17th Minute: All Jets here. they have been camped inside the Wests 20 for what seems an eternity but can't get over the line.
24th Minute: Wests squander their best chance of the first half with a simple forward pass from dummy half. The Jets now work it out from their own 20m line on tackle 2.
30th Minute: Been all Wests the last five minutes but again they can't convert their field position and possession into points
32nd Minute: TRY Sam Latu is in for his try in his first game in the famous Blue jersey. A good run from Takairangi down the right flank puts Latu over. Brett Lane converts and it is 6-0 Jets.

HALF TIME As the 3.40pm Qantas plane flies over Henson Park it is Sam Latu's converted try which separates the two teams at half time. Back soon folks!


42nd Minute: TRY POW! First set of six in the second half and Mark Kheirallah is in for the Jets. Verlinden breaks them up the guts and offloads to Kheirallah. Lane converts and it is 12-0 Jets
50th Minute: TRY Kurt Kara is in for the Jets after another break up the middle from Johnno Ford. Kara goes over untouched under the sticks after a 30m sprint to the line with Josh toole giving chase. Jets now lead 18-0
62nd Minute: TRY The Jets turn down a gift two points after Aaron Sweeney gives away a penalty on tackle four but it pays dividends as Phil Graham dives on a neat grubber from Ford to score. Lane misses. Jets lead it 22-0
70th Minute: TRY Sam Latu bags a double on debut for the Jets after a sweeping backline movement and good passing from Ellaz and Lane finds space. Lane nails it from the sideline and the crowd of around 2200 goes wild. Jets 28 lead Wests nil.
74th Minute: Just not happening for Wests today. They looked to have scored for all money out wide but drop the ball in the effort of scoring.
FULL TIME The Jets were just too good today, winning 28-0. Like every week, Wests tried their guts out but they simply lack the polish to trouble the top sides in the NSW Cup.

BULLDOGS BEAT WESTS TIGERS 16-6 IN NRL

Wests Tigers suffered a 16-6 loss to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium tonight in round 16 of the Telstra Premiership.
The home side lost second-rower Simon Dwyer early in the first half with a neck/shoulder injury that saw him later taken to hospital for precautionary scans after experiencing pins and needles.
The opening 10 minutes saw Wests Tigers stand up in defence as the Bulldogs enjoyed a wealth of possession inside their quarter. Their cause wasn't helped when a tough call against centre Tim Simona saw the Bulldogs get a penalty after referee Matt Cecchin ruled he had deliberately punched the ball out of his hands.
A minute later, Wests Tigers second-rower Simon Dwyer went down in trying to make a tackle 10 metres out from his line. Dwyer left the field.
Bulldogs second-rower Frank Pritchard lost control of the ball in trying to score a metre from the tryline in the 21st minute. The ball was knocked loose by full-back Wade McKinnon.
The weight of posession finally told when Pritchard was put into open space after the ball was shifted left for the second-rower to score out wide. Winger Steve Turner converted the try for a 6-0 lead after 27 minutes.
Wests Tigers had one two attacking raids inside the Bulldogs quarter in the final minutes but to no avail with the visitors taking a 6-0 lead at half-time.
2nd Half
A knock on by McvKinnon in front of his own tryline in the 54th minute gave the Bulldogs a scrum win 10 metres out.
The Bulldogs took advantage of the mistake when half-back Trent Hodkinson put through a grubber kick for full-back Ben Barba to beat McKinnon to the ball to score in the 55th minute.
Turner failed to convert the try for a 10-0 lead.
Wests forward Liam Fulton was held up over the line in a four man tackle in the 64th minute. On the next tackle, a Robbie Farah grubber kick was defused by Barba.
The Bulldogs extended their lead to 14-0 in the 67th minute when McKinnon lost control of a Kris Keating grubber kick for centre Josh Morris to score out wide. Turner converted the try for a 16-0 lead.
Wests Tigers got on the board in the 77th minute when Farah kicked the ball through in soccer style fashion from dummy half for Tim Moltzen to dive on to score. Jacob Miller converted the try for his first points in the NRL to leave Wests Tigers trailing 16-6.

By Wayne Cousins

24/06/2011 9:30:54 PM

MATCH REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY BPS AUTOBODY (BANKSTOWN AND NARELLAN)

DRAGONS GAME SWITCHED FROM SCG TO SFS

Wests Tigers wish to advise Members and fans that the Round 22 clash against St George-Illawarra Dragons will now be played at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The match was originally scheduled for the Sydney Cricket Ground to co-incide with the 50 year anniversary of the 1961 Grand Final played between Wests and St George at the iconic venue.

However due to the match now being scheduled on Friday, August 5, Wests Tigers Chief Executive Stephen Humphreys admitted the Club had to revise its match day plans.

“We were hopeful of hosting this match on a Sunday afternoon so we could provide a great day of entertainment for our supporters,'' Humphreys said.

"Friday night games impose really tight timeframes for supporters to get to the venue and therefore from a fan’s perspective, a Friday night game becomes less about the pre-match entertainment and all about the game itself.

“As a result of this, we’ve needed to downscale the pre-match entertainment plans which were so integral to the original decision to host the match at the SCG. With all of that in mind, we have now transferred the match to the SFS which is such a great venue to watch Rugby League at.”

The Sunday Channel Nine game is Manly vs Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval.

Humphreys added the Club remained committed to paying homage to the great rivalry between Wests and St George experienced in the early sixties.

“We will be hosting a lot of past players from that golden era at the match and our NRL team will proudly wear the Wests heritage jersey on the night,'' he said.

“We will do everything we can to secure a Sunday afternoon slot for the corresponding fixture over the next couple of years to enable us to celebrate this particular phase of the Club’s history on a more comprehensive scale than we are able to deliver on this occasion.”

Wests Tigers will advise Members, sponsors and other key parties of the changes in due course.

Match details
Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Football Stadium
Date: Friday 5 August, 2011
NYC kick-off: 5.15pm
NRL kick-off: 7.30pm
Tickets available from next week at weststigers.com.au or Ticketek.

NSW Cup Round 15 - Match Review - Wests v Cronulla

Wests Magpies were the first to record a four pointer after inform back row
forward David Harris stepped his way through the Sharks defensive line to plant
the ball under the black dot. David Fifita guided the ball over the cross bar to
give the Magpies a 6 points to 0 lead after 14minutes of play.

The Sharks hit back within a couple of minutes after a series of off loads put
their fullback Ryan Tongia into open spaces. Showing a good turn of speed, he
outpaced the Magpies cover defense on his way to the try line. His conversion
locked the scores up at 6 points all.

The Magpies reaped further points after collecting the ball on the visitor’s 20
metre line. Play maker and five eight Joshua Murray ran at the line before off
loading to prop forward Jay Maseuli who carried defenders over the try line with
him. With the conversion waved away, the Magpies again took the lead 10
points to 6.

In the closing minute of the half, the Magpies made an unforced error which
presented the Sharks both the ball and field position. After a strong surge, the
ball was taken by lock forward Atelea Vea who dived over the line as the hooter
sounded. Tongia’s conversion saw the Sharks take a two point advantage into
the sheds.

The Magpies were given the ball early in the second half, but a heavy tackle
forced the ball to ground. After winning the ensuing scrum, the Sharks attacked
the short side before replacement Jake Hawkins broke through a tackle to record
his team’s third try of the afternoon. Tongia continued his fine kicking display to
increase the Sharks lead 18 points to 10.

Once again the boys from the West hit back. After a fine run from Captain
and second row forward Rocky Trimarchi ended on the Sharks ten metre
line, a quick thinking Joshua Murray called for the ball before evading three
defenders. Slamming the ball over the line he claimed a fine individual try.
Half Rhys Lenarduzzi’s conversion brought the Magpies within two points of the
competition front runners.

The home team showed plenty of attacking ability during the following fifteen
minutes, but could not convert that pressure into points. After receiving a
penalty in front of the Sharks upwrights, David Fifita locked up the score at 18
points all.

The game remained a real arm wrestle with both teams vying for the two
competition points. In the 32nd minute, the visitors increased their lead to 24
points to 18 through a converted try to hooker Jarred Farlow.

I am sure this score line would have been a true reflection of the efforts of both
teams, but with time running out the Magpies found themselves defending their
end of the field. Early in their attacking set Sharks half Tim Smith attempted a
field goal, but it was charged down. With luck against Magpies, the ball bounced
into the hands of Sharks lock forward Atelea Vea who capped off a good game
by scoring his second try of the day. Ryan Tongias conversion put the game out
of the Magpies reach at 30 points to 18.

In the 40th minute, the Magpies tried to reduce the Sharks lead by putting in a
chip kick over the head of the defenders. After charging the ball down, it was
spread to centre Dean Collis who ran some 45 metres to the corner for the last
try of the afternoon. Tongias conversion attempt was waved away. With a
score line of 34 points to 18 some may consider the Magpies were well and truly
beaten, but up until the 32nd minute, the game could have gone any way.

The Magpies battled hard all the way to the finish line, but the bounce of the
ball did not go their way. The score line certainly did not reflect the Magpies
performance.

Scorers for the Magpies: Tries to David Harris, Jay Maseuli and Joshua
Murray. 2 conversions to David Fifita and 1 to Rhys Lenarduzzi.

Scorers for the Sharks: 2 tries to Atelea Vea, with tries to Dean Collis, Jarred
Farlow, Jake Hawkins and Ryan Tongia. Tongia kicked 5 conversions.

Players’ player medallion: Shared between Cassiano Jr Aiga and Amanono
Tovio.

Leos best three - Troy O'Sullivan, David Fifita and Cassiano Jr Agia.

Next Game: Wests Magpies vs. Newtown Jets, Henson Park, Newtown 3pm
Saturday 25 June 2011.

WESTS TIGERS TO GO PINK AT CAMPBELLTOWN

Wests Tigers will go Pink at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Friday, June 24.
The NRL team will wear a special pink jersey against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs as part of the annual Harvey Norman Women in League Round from June 24-27.
Half-back Robert Lui will also wear a one off pink mouthguard for the game.

The jerseys retail at $135 for ladies/kids and $165 for men. The jerseys are available at Wests Tigers Gearzone store, Shop 234 Brands On Sale Outlet, 32 Queen Street, Campbelltown, and at Wests Tigers Gearzone store at Concord Oval.


Tickets are selling fast for the Round 16 Blockbuster between Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Friday, June 24.
It will be the first time the Bulldogs have played Wests Tigers in an NRL match at Campbelltown since round 20 of the 2004 season. On that night, the Bulldogs escaped with a controversial 24-20 victory.
BUY TICKETS FOR BULLDOGS GAME
The match will kick-off the official Women In League Round which acknowledges the importance of women in the game itself from volunteers, supporters, administrators, mothers, sisters and grandmothers.
It has been estimated that there are approximately 40,000 female volunteers in rugby league nationally.
Match Day format
3.30pm: Gates open
3.45pm: Schoolboys Cup: Erindale High V Matraville High
5.15pm: NYC Kick-off
7.30pm: NRL Kick-off.

NSW U/18 STATE REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

Congratulation to Western Suburbs Magpies player David Nofoaluma in being sel.ected for the NSW Under 18’s side. David will join the following players have been selected to represent the NSW Under 18’s v QLD Under 18’s at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, prior to Harvey Norman State of Origin Game Two.

PLAYER	CLUB
Nesiasi Mataitonga	Cronulla Sharks
Jacob Gagan	Parramatta Eels
David Nofoaluma	Western Suburbs Magpies
Vai Toutai	Parramatta Eels
Pat Mata’Utia Leifi	Newcastle Knights
Curtis Sironen	Wests Tigers
Jack Wighton	Canberra Raiders
David Klemmer	Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Michael Lichaa	Cronulla Sharks
Leilani Latu	Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Kyle Lovett	Balmain Tigers
Jordan Hall	Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Ben Roose	Newcastle Knights
Tom Rouse	Newcastle Knights
Sam Coster	Parkes Spacemen (CRL)
Michael Steele	Newcastle Knights
Jake Trbojevic	Manly Sea Eagles
Brenden Santi	Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Coach: Craig Sandercock (Newcastle Knights)
Manager: Bob Jones (Sydney Roosters)

NSW 18's out to continue dominance at ANZ

NSWRL MEDIA

14/06/2011 2:09:05 PM

The New South Wales Under 18 representative side will look to pick up where the Under 16’s left off at Suncorp Stadium some three weeks ago by defeating their Queensland counterparts at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night.
With such a dominant record in this fixture in recent years including a dramatic 22-18 victory up at Suncorp Stadium last year, there is plenty on the line for these young men, but their coach Craig Sandercock was quick to point out that this group of men needed to forge their own legacy and not worry about the past.
“You don’t want to put too much pressure on the boys telling them about how many games we have won in the past. I mean while that is a fantastic thing we can only being concerned about our group of players and these guys coming together and playing to the best of their ability.” Sandercock said.
Sandercock also went on to point out that despite the side’s limited build up, the team has come together well in a short space of time.
“We have had some really good training sessions and the opposed session we had against the Origin side really seemed to bring our guys together and since that day they have been as tight a group of boys that I have been involved with.”
The side consists of some four Newcastle Knights, who won the National Under 18’s title last month and Sandercock’s association with the club will no doubt give him a great knowledge of their talents, however he singled out a couple of players from rival clubs that have made an impression since arriving in camp.
“David Klemmer from the Canterbury-Bankstown club has been outstanding with his attitude and his talk at training and I have also been impressed with Curtis Sironen and Jack Wighton who have been very good in their talk and guiding the team around the paddock.”
For those of you lucky enough to have secured tickets for tomorrow night, the Under 18’s match will be kicking off at 6.05pm and we encourage as many of our Blues fans to get out to the ground early and support our young men prior to Origin.
For those of you not able to make it to ANZ Stadium this Wednesday night, www.nswrl.com.au will be Game-Casting all of the action LIVE for the Under 18 clash.
Just head to the homepage on Wednesday and click on the special ‘ORIGIN’ Game-Cast link.
@NSWRL will also be tweeting all of the scores as they happen.

The team will assemble 9am Sebel Hotel, Parramatta Saturday 11^th June 2011 for team medicals and camp in preparation for the game on Wednesday 15^th June.

For further information please contact Wayne Portlock NSWRL High Performance Manager on 0413 805 539.

Round 14 Match Review - NSW Cup - Wests v Balmain

The Balmain Tigers grounded out 24 points to 6 win over the Magpies, which
gives them breathing space inside the top eight of the competition. The day
had everything, sunshine, wind and heavy rain but this did not dampen the boys
spirits as they put on an entertaining game.

The first try came after 6 minutes of play. Wests were attacking inside the
Tigers 20 metre line but they turned the ball over in good field position. Balmain
collected the ball, moved down field before putting up a towering bomb which
was knocked on by the visitors. After winning the scrum, Balmain put on two
settling runs before spreading the ball to wing three quarter Keith Eshman
who scored a well constructed try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Balmain 4 Wests 0.

The Magpies had their chances to counter, but Balmain’s defense held firm. In
the 17th minute the Tigers found themselves inside the visitor’s 20 metre line.
After drawing the defense from the side line, a cut out ball was thrown to wing
three quarter Sam Latu who crossed in the corner for the first of his two tries.
Sean Meaneys conversion put the Tigers in front 10 points to 0.

Within minutes Balmain was in again after half Nathan Waters cut through the
Magpies line which was slow to react to a switch in play. With 22 minutes gone,
the Magpies were behind 14 points to 0.

To their credit, the Magpies responded the best way possible – a try of their own.
In came in the 36th minute when Wests five eight David Harris put in a long kick
which was knocked on close to the Tigers line. After winning the scrum, a flat
pass was collected at pace by second row forward Leivaha Pula who put the ball
under the black dot. Joshua Murray’s conversion reduced the Tigers lead to just
8 points.

The second half was played in heavy rain, but this did not stop the Tigers putting
on two further tries. The first came after 15 minutes when replacement forward
Chris Corby forced his way over and then in the closing stages of the game Sam
Latu, capping off a good game, crossed for his second. Sean Meaney took the
extras which helped his team record a 24 points to 6 win.

Scorers for the Magpies: 1 try to Leivaha Pulu and 1 conversion to Joshua
Murray.

Scorers for the Tigers: 2 tries to Sam Latu and 1 each to Keith Eshman,
Nathan Waters and Chris Corby. Sean Meaney kicked two goals.

Leos best three: Josh Davis, Troy O’Sullivan and David Harris.

Players’ player medallion: Shared - Mitch Achurch and Cassiano Jr Aiga.

Next Game: Round 15 Wests play Cronulla 3pm Saturday 18 June 2011
Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

NRL DEBUT ALL IN A DAY'S WORK FOR MATT GROAT

Tough young Wests Tigers prop Matt Groat will long remember his big day out at WIN Jubilee Oval last Sunday.

The former Australian Schoolboy and Western Suburbs Magpies junior woke on match morning knowing he would soon be colliding into his flat-mate in St George-Illawarra Dragons back-rower Michael Bullock. He had prepared all week for the clash with his good friend.
Groat also knew he was to the 18th man for the Wests Tigers NRL side after having two training sessions with the elite squad in the lead up to Sunday.
Upon arriving at the ground, it was business as usual for Groat. The 19-year-old turned in another strong and aggressive performance in the U20s win over the Dragons, running over 100 metres with the ball and making 17 tackles in his 55 minute stint.

With his U20s team-mates cooling down, Groat joined the Wests Tigers NRL side for the pre-match warm up. Little did he know what was about to unfold.
Full-back Wade McKinnon suffered a hamstring strain, leaving Head Coach Tim Sheens looking for an urgent replacement. And to the surprise of many, Sheens promoted Groat, giving Wests Tigers four forwards on the interchange bench against the reigning premiers.
For 74 minutes, Groat sat nervously before taking to the field for his NRL debut. It made him the 144th player to pull on the Wests Tigers jersey.
“When Wade went down, I thought Tim was going to look for an outside back but because Matt trained with the NRL boys last Thursday and Saturday, and had lunch with them, it meant he was familiar with the side,’’ explained Grant Jones, Wests Tigers U20s Coach and Assistant NRL Coach.
“To be thrown in against the premiers, Tim obviously was very confident that he had a good kid there in Matt. Tim has been watching Matt since he was 16 playing Harold Matthews for Western Suburbs.
"Tim had Matt earmarked as an NRL player from the first time the club signed him. His first grade debut just came a little earlier than expected."
Groat thought his day was finished at full-time but there was one more task awaiting him inside the Wests Tigers dressing room – meeting NSW Premier and proud Wests Tigers Member Barry O’Farrell for the first time
Just like he did on the field, Groat took it all in his stride.

 

 

By Wayne Cousins

31/05/2011 8:37:04 PM

 

NSW Cup Round 13 Match Review - Wests v Bulldogs

The Magpies were quietly confident they could cause an upset in their game
against the equal competition leaders and with a positive week of training behind
them, they declared they were ready. All that was required was putting the
positives together on the field, easier said than done.

The Dogs gave the Magpies first use of the ball and at the end of the first set
half Rhys Lenarduzzi put in a clearing kick which forced the Dogs to carry the ball
back from their ten metre line. The Magpies resistance was solid from the first
tackle but when the opposition put up a towering bomb it was knocked on close
to the home teams try line. After winning the scrum, the Magpies scrambling
defense cut down the Dogs attack, eventually forcing the ball to ground.

In good field the position, the Magpies fed the ensuing scrum, but on the third
hit up, the ball went to ground, giving the Dogs the ball in good field position
and with a full set at their disposal, they charged forward. At the end of their
set they tested the Magpies last line of defense with another attacking kick. It
was taken on the full, but when attempting to spread the ball, it was knocked on
which presented the ball to Dogs centre three quarter Jonathan Wright who ran
to the line for a four pointer. The conversion went astray and after eight minutes
of play the Dogs lead 4 points to nil.

The game settled into a bruising contest until the Dogs were penalised for an
infringement in a tackle, but after taking a quick tap a home player to knock on.
The error was compounded when the Dogs were given a penalty. After claiming
plenty of yards, the Dogs took a tap on the Magpies 45 metre line. The ball was
spread wide before it was carried close to the Magpies try line. Seizing on a
quick play the ball, Dogs hooker Shane Pumipi surged over for his teams’ second
try. The conversion from Chris Armit sailed between the posts increasing the
score line to 10 points to nil.

After the re start in play, Wests held the Dogs deep inside their own half, but
this did not prevent Joel Romelo from claiming a 40/20 kick. After winning the
scrum, the Dogs spread the ball wide, bringing their fullback Trent Cutler into
play. With an extra man on hand an overlap ensued before wing three quarter
Junior Tia-Kilifi dived the over the line. With twenty minutes left in the half, the
Dogs led 14 points to nil after the conversion attempt was waved away.

In the twenty fifth minute, the Magpies were perched on the Dogs try line.
Wests half Rhys Lenarduzzi feigned to run left before kicking to the right corner.
His wing three quarter partner Taqele Naiyaravoro jumped high before patting
the ball back to centre three quarter Ryan Millard who reached out with one hand
before slamming the ball over the line. Lenarduzzi missed the kick from the side
line. Dogs 14 Wests 4.

The Dogs replied almost immediately. They put in a deep kick off which landed
near the home teams dead ball line. After catching the ball on the full, a Magpie
player put his foot on the boundary line, forcing a drop out. After a couple of


settling runs, opposition fullback Trent Cutler showed good foot work on his way
to scoring his teams fourth try. With the missed conversion, the Dogs skipped
away to a 18 points to 4 lead which was extended a few minutes later after a
successful penalty kick to Trent Cutler. As the teams left the field for the minor
break, the Dogs led the Magpies 20 points to 4.

The second half got under way with the Dogs continuing to go forward. After
completing their first set they kicked down field. Showing plenty of pace, the
Magpies ran play back to the Dogs twenty metre line before the opposition was
penalised for off side play. The tap was taken centre field before coming into the
hands of five eight Evander Waitoa who sprinted through a gap to score a fine
try. Rhys Lenarduzzi claimed the extras and with only two minutes gone, the
Dogs lead was reduced to 20 points to 10.

The next fifteen minutes saw scrappy play from both teams that was until a
scuffle broke out close to the Magpies try line resulting in one player from each
team having a rest for ten minutes. The referee declared the Magpies were at
fault, awarding the opposition team a penalty. During the set, a well placed
bomb was put up close to the Magpies goal posts before it was claimed by Dogs
prop forward Martin Taupau. His try was converted by Trent Cutler. Dogs 26
Magpies 10.

The remainder of the game saw both teams go tit for tat in terms of scoring
points. In the twenty third minute, in what was probably the try of the day,
Dogs hooker Shane Pumipi made a clean break down field and with players
around him he presented a sensational pass to centre three quarter Daniel
Rauicava who sprinted away to score. Chris Armit added the two points to the
Dogs score line, 30 points to 10.

Next it was the Magpies chance to show their skill when half Rhys Lenarduzzi
put in a grubber kick behind the defensive line. It rolled in goal before being
dived on by Ryan Millard who capped off a good game with his second try of the
afternoon. Dogs 30 Magpies 14.

The Dogs hit back in the thirty third minute after being presented with a ‘six
again’ call from the referee fifteen minutes out from the Magpies line. The ball
was carried forward at pace by interchange player Conrad Taakmoeaka to claim
his teams last try of the afternoon. After the conversion from Chris Armit, the
Dogs took their lead to 36 points to 10.

In the last minute of play, Wests were awarded a scrum feed on the Dogs
20 metre line. With ball in hand they ran towards the black dot before a flat
ball was delivered to fullback Gus Aiga who put the ball close to the posts.
Lenarduzzi’s conversion put an end to the days play. Canterbury Bulldogs 36
Wests Magpies 20. Whilst the Dogs got away with the first half, it was a sixteen
points all draw in the second, unfortunately the two competition points can not
be shared.

3.

Scorers for the Magpies – 2 tries to Ryan Millard and 1 each to Evander
Waitoa and Cassiano Jr Aiga. Rhys Lenarduzzi kicked 2 goals.

Scorers for the Dogs -1 try each to Jonathan Wright, Shane Pumipi, Junior Tia-
Kilifi, Trent Cutler, Martin Taupau, Daniel Rauicava and Conrad Taakmoeaka. 2
conversions each to Trent Cutler and Chris Armit

Leos best – Josh Davis, Mitch Achurch, Troy O’Sullivan and Leivaha Pulu.

Players player medallion shared between – Josh Davis and Troy O’Sullivan.

Next game – Wests Magpies vs. Balmain Tigers, Round 14, 3pm Saturday 11
June 2011.

Liverpool V Fairfield Charity Match

The 2011Balmain Commercial Liverpool V
Fairfield Charity Match will be kicking off on
Saturday 16th July. The venue this year is
Marconi Stadium.

We will be holding the following events:

10am – Soccer Kidz Activities
11.15am – Grade 10 Matches
12.30pm – Grade 10 Matches

1.45pm – Sharp Shooter Activities
Pay gold coin entry fee to see if you are the
hottest shot in Southern Districts

2.30pm – Grade 16 Challenge Match

4.15pm – Balmain Commercial
Liverpool V Fairfield Charity Match

6.30pm

Paul Okon former Socceroos Captain and
Klaus Okon are the Marquee Players for the
2011 Charity Match.

The money raised this year will be going to
the Cancer Council
Call To Arms 2011 Mens Cancer
And
Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer.
Both of which have affected many of us and
we ask that you throw your full support behind
this very worthwhile annual event.

Fireworks

Group Eleven -34 defeated Group Six -18

Officials from both groups having to play at 9am, saw the coaching staff and players having a few issues to deal with, starting with a wake up call at 6.30am followed by a light breakfast and all players had to strapped ready to get on the bus for the ground at 8am to warm up. Ridiculous playing this level of footy at such an early time.

Twenty minutes of football was all that Pat Rosser’s Group 11 team needed though to get through to the second round of the Country Championships with a 34-18 victory over Group 6.
A 9am game start time at West Wyalong on Saturday took its toll on Group 11 early when they trailed 10-8 at half-time and 18-12 with 20 minutes left, before the passes started to stick and the tries came at regular intervals. Group 11 piled on 22 opints in 20 mins to run out winners.

Man of the match went to group 6 forward Jamie Szezernbanik.


Group Eleven 34 defeated Group Six 18

Group Eleven – Jade Williams 3, Benjamin John 2, Mick Doig tries, Joe Williams 5 goals. Group Six – Nick Crouch, Jamie Szezernbanki, Wade Dunley tries, Drew Dalton 3 goals

NSW Cup Round 12 - Match Review - Wests v Manly

Both teams came into this game in good form after recording wins in their previous outings, but without doubt both camps were keenly aware that the days result could go either way. There were a number of changes to the respective starting line ups, but overall each fielded strong teams.

The Magpies had the run of play and good field position for a majority of the first half, but could only cross the line on one occasion, and that was in the 8th minute. They received a penalty on the Sea Eagles try line and after taking the tap, the ball was passed across the backline to wing three quarter Taqele Naiyaravoro who scored the first of his two tries of the afternoon. With the conversion attempt being waved away, the scoreboard read Magpies 4 Sea Eagles 0.

The early signs were good for the boys from the West who looked certain to extend their lead, but at vital stages their attacking play broke down, despite making a number of clean breaks.

With 10 minutes left in the half, Manly certainly made Wests pay for not making the most of their chances. First, replacement Michael Oldfield crossed the line for a four pointer before Patrick Patelesio-Sipley registered a try of his own. Manly 10 Wests 4. With time running out, Ben Shorter crossed for a double which, combined with 2 conversions from Sione Ala took the home side to the sheds leading 20 points to 4.

The second half was a dour affair with both teams making a number of errors, but in the 19th minute Magpie player Taqele Nayiaravoro grabbed his second try reducing the Sea Eagles lead to 20 points to 8. Manly hit back soon after when Patrick Patelesio-Sipley claimed his double which put the game out of the Magpies reach. Manly ran out worthy winners 24 points to 8.

Scorers for the Magpies – Taqele Naiyaravoro 2 tries.

Leo’s best – David Harris and Josh Davis.

Player’s player – David Harris.

Next game – Round 13 Wests Magpies vs. Canterbury Bulldogs, 3pm Saturday 4 June 2011, Campbelltown Sports Stadium.