By Lars Roy at Henson Park
The Newtown Jets have won three on the trot after defeating the Wests Tigers 30-14 on ‘Reunion Day’ at Henson Park.
The Jets posted first points in the 12th minute, on the back of strong carries from Kane Evans and a pressure-relieving penalty.
It was Scott Dureau who sliced through a gap after popping out of a block play on the Jets’ right edge. Despite windy conditions, Dureau successfully converted his own try to give the hosts the perfect start.
The Tigers hit back however, in the 26th minute through Setefano Taukafa, whose left hand fend proved too much for his opposing winger to handle.
The conversion attempt from the sideline was waved away with the Jets still in front by two points.
Wests grabbed the lead four minutes before half time through Kurtis Rowe, who pounced on a kick, which ricocheted off the post. The easiest conversion of the day was kicked by Tim Moltzen, bringing the score to 10-6 in favour of the Tigers.
The Jets regained the lead right on half time however, after Rhyse Martin charged down and regathered a kick, where he ran 40 metres to score. Dureau converted again taking the score to 12-10 to Newtown at the break.
The Jets scored two tries in two minutes, with the first going to Ryan Verlinden who crossed 15 minutes into the half, after busting through the middle of average Wests Tigers defence.
The Jets increased their lead in the set after points when silky hands on their right edge saw Samisoni Langi plant the ball under the sticks.
Both conversion attempts were successful by Jackson Hastings, who now took over the goal kicking duties in his VB NSW Cup debut, widening the gap to past a two converted try lead.
Rhyse Martin grabbed a double after scoring the try of the match in the 70th minute. The Jets played hot potato footy on last tackle until Hastings found Jonathan Reuben with a grubber kick, who then passed on to Martin who finished off the movement.
The Tigers scored a consolation try right on full time, through Asipeli Fine.
A terrific result for the Jets in front of a packed Henson Park, who are putting together wins at the right time of the season.
Next week the Jets will have time to rest and re-access as they have the bye, whilst the Tigers will host the New Zealand Warriors at Kirkham Park in Camden, who will be hungry for a win coming off a big 42-4 loss to Mounties.
Newtown Jets 30 (R Martin 2, R Verlinden, S Langi, S Dureau tries; J Hastings 3, S Dureau 2 goals) def. Wests Tigers 14 (K Rowe, S Taukafa, A Fine tries; T Moltzen goal) at Henson Park.
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