Western Suburbs Magpies moved to joint leadership of the Ron Massey Cup with a thrilling 20-12 win over the Guildford Owls in the match of the round at McCredie Park last Saturday.
In easily the best game of the first two rounds, the Magpies were made to work for their win in more sweltering conditions as temperatures climbed into the low 30s for a second straight weekend.
With ex-Parramatta and Bradford Bulls recruit Matt Ryan leading the way for the Owls with a converted try to level scores at six-all, Wests took a 10-six half-time lead after Brendan Waters sent Inno Inosesio away to score.
The match remained a tough, grinding arm wrestle until an explosive last 10 minutes. First Owls winger Shane Hunt dashed 90 metres to score a converted intercept try with eight minutes left to give the home side a 12-10 lead.
Wests were not to be denied. Inosesio bagged his second try from a turnover with five minutes left to regain the lead, before a Waters try sealed the Magpies win in the last minute.
Wentworthville joined Wests at the top of the table with a thumping 42-nil shut out of arch-rivals Cabramatta at Ringrose Park last Sunday.
Scoring eight unanswered tries, the Magpies completely dominated the Two Blues from start to finish in the oppressive conditions after leading 24-nil at half-time.
Centre Jake Butler-Fleming scored two tries for the Mapgies, with class half Jack Madden having a stand out game.
Defending premiers Mounties shrugged off their opening round loss a with a 56-12 hiding of Concord-Burwood at Carrawood Park, Carramar last Saturday.
Mounties were rarely threatened by the Wolves as they ran in 10 tries over the Wolves in the searing heat. Winger Alofi Mataele snared a hat trick as “The Mulga” returned to winning form.
Hills District Bulls also overcame a first round loss as they disposed of Blacktown Workers 36-12 at Laybutt Field, Blacktown last Saturday.
With centre Jordan Tongahai posting a double, the Bull surprised the Workers in scoring six tries to three to post an historic maiden win in the Ron Massey Cup.
Led by former Manly Holden Cup star Addison Demetriou, Auburn Warriors stunned Windsor Wolves 40-6 at Windsor Sports complex last Saturday evening.
With temperatures still in the 30s despite the later 6pm kickoff, the Warriors made light work of the home side after getting out to an early lead.
Demetriou finished with two tries and five goals from six attempts for a personal tally of 18 points. Winger Sean Paul Fenokitau made the most of a late call-up from Sydney Shield with two tries.
Finally, St Marys posted their first win since returning to the Ron Massey Cup when they outclassed Kingsgrove Colts 52-12 at Kogarah Jubilee Oval last Sunday.
Former Penrith and Wests Tigers centre Geoff Daniela and fullback Ray Lesoa scored two tries each as the Brad Drew coached outfit sent the Colts crashing to the bottom of the Ron Massey Cup ladder on the back of their second straight 40 point plus defeat.
Asquith Magpies enjoyed staying out of the oppressive heat with the bye.
Wests and ‘Wenty’ are the only two unbeaten sides after the first couple of rounds, with a remarkable 10 teams behind them on two points for either a win or a bye.
The Colts will at least join the pack on two points when they have their first bye this weekend.
Triple H FM will be calling this Sunday's double-header from New Era Stadium, where Cabramatta and Asquith clash in the Sydney Shield from 4pm and in Ron Massey Cup from 5:30pm. For more info visit www.triplehfm.com.au
