Mounties produced a polished performance to overcome Wyong Roos 36-14 at Morry Breen Oval to remain on top of the Intrust Super Premiership ladder.
The game was just over a minute old when Mounties winger Eddie Aiono made a break down the sideline and was injured in the tackle. Play was stopped for a brief moment which would not have done either side any favours in the cold. When play got back underway it was fairly even with both sides showing solid defence.
Back to back penalties gave Mounties great field position, and the team leading the Intrust Super Premiership took full advantage with Rhys Kennedy charging over next to the posts. Sam Williams converted the try for the Mounties to lead 6 nil after 10 minutes.
Wyong almost hit back 5 minutes later when Justin Toomey-White got over the line only to be held up.
The Roos were camped in the opposition 20 metre zone, but they just could not find a gap in the Mounties defence.
Wyong were enjoying a lot of ball but sideways movements and breakdowns in attack was making the job easy for the Mounties defence. Just when it looked like the Roos had ran out of options, Mitch Williams put a nicely weighted kick into the in goal down the blind side for Omar Slaimankhel to pounce on. Cornish missed the conversion and the Mounties lead was cut to two with 12 remaining in the first half.
Mounties almost hit back right away with Jarrad Kennedy and Royce Hunt going close. A couple of mistakes from both sides were creeping into the game which had been fast paced.
Wyong were dealt a blow when halfback Tyler Cornish left the field. His absence seemed to inspire the forwards with some big carries from Zane Tetevano, Abraham Papalii and Mitch Frei. just before half time Papalii crashed over for the Roos second try. Joey Lussick took over the goal kicking duties and kicked a brilliant kick from the sideline to make it 10-6 at half time.
The second half began with the Mounties attacking but Kauri Aupouri got the Roos out of trouble with a good kick return. The second half had begun at fast pace. Mounties had all the ball but the Roos were given a relieving penalty but failed to find touch, which invited Mounties to build more pressure. Shortly after, the Mounties had their second of the day with Adam Clydesdale crossing next to the posts. Williams added the extras and the Mounties led 12-10 with half hour to play.
Tyler Cornish returned to field to give the Roos some direction but it was the Mounties who were heading in the right direction with Sam Duggan going over thanks to a nice inside ball from Sam Williams. Williams kicked his third of the day and the the Mounties extended their lead of the day 18-10.
There was still plenty of time for the Roos, but the Mounties proved why they are leading the comp with fullback Zac Santo making a god break to put his side back on the front foot. Two plays later the Mounties had their fourth try with Alofi Mataela scoring in the corner. Williams again added the extras for a 24-10 score with 19 remaining.
Chris Centrone gave the Roos a slim chance when he scored on the end of a nice break from Toomey-White. Aupouri failed to add the extras and it was 24-14.
Any hope of a comeback was short lived when Mounties got the ball shortly after the restart. Brent Nadin cut through the defence to score and Williams added the extras to hit 30.
Another try to Nadin 5 minutes from full time blew the score out. Williams continued his perfect day with boot to make the score 36-14.
The Mounties proved today why they are the competition front runners with all 17 players putting in a strong performance.
