Mounties have pipped the Newtown Jets 10-6 in wildly windy conditions at Henson Park.
The Jets led for the majority of the game, but Mounties had it over them for the entire second half, and even though they only conceded once in that time, a late try to Lachlan Croker relinquished the lead and ultimately the match.
It was obvious the wind would affect the match with just seconds on the clock, as Mounties kick-off found the dead ball line off the bounce, before Newtown managed to re-gather the ball off the dropout when it dramatically changed direction mid-flight.
After the unusual start, Mounties had the first real opportunity to post points and created a chance down the left, but Alofi Mataele was not able to ground the ball in the act of scoring.
A knock on by Mounties at the other end of the field gave the Jets their first chance to score, which they did through Adam Clydsdale who showed it to his right and crashed over from dummy half.
The Jets dominated the field position and possession for the next stage of the match, but the stubborn Mounties defence continually turned up and denied them to extend their lead.
That brilliant defence was rewarded late in the first half when Scott Sorensen managed to get his arm free from a tackle and throw a brilliant offload to Eddie Aiono, who sprinted over to lock the scores up at 4-all on a day where sideline conversions seemed to be almost impossible.
Mounties went very close to repeating that effort off the ensuing set, but a left side raid earned the Jets a play the ball in optimal field position, before some quick hands by Edrick Lee on the short side allowed Tyla Tamou to score in the corner.
A scoreless start to the second half still saw both teams have their chances that were shut down by some fantastic defensive efforts, none more so than Edrick Lee.
The only scoring play in the second 40 minutes was driven by a classy Mounties halves combination. Isaac John drifted across field, and perfectly handed the ball off Benji Marshall-style to Croker who charged over untouched for the winning try.
Mounties 10 (E Aiono, L Croker tries; I John goal) def Newtown Jets 8 (A Clydsdale, T Tamou tries)
