Newtown Rugby League Football Club - Established 1908
Rd14 - Jets first half onslaught overwhelms the Bears [48-18]

The Newtown Jets showed few signs of rustiness after two weeks' layoff when they swept aside North Sydney at Henson Park last Saturday by 48-18.

In a match played before the season's best crowd and in perfect Rugby League winter weather, the Jets unleashed a firestorm of points in the first half that took them to a 30-0 lead at the break.

Both sides scored 18 points in a less impressive second half, with Norths scoring three tries in the last ten minutes.

Newtown dominated possession and territory in the game's first twenty minutes as the Jets raced away to a 26-0 lead.

First-half ascendency through strong forward play and creative attack from halves

The home team took advantage in the opening minutes of the Bears' difficulty in coping with Newtown's high kicks, while the Jets' big forward pack took control of the midfield and the battle of the rucks.

Newtown's completion rate throughout the match was good, with in excess of 80% of sets completed in both halves.

The Newtown forwards worked hard as a unit and looked to support each other both with the ball and in defence, while the halves, Liam Foran and Johnathon Ford, called the shots and spread the ball to the backs effectively.

Coach's assessment

Jets coach, Greg Matterson, was more than pleased with his team's top-class first half performance, and he acknowledged the difficulty that his players faced in maintaining their intensity right through the second half while holding such a commanding lead.

Player performances

The coach was particularly pleased with the Newtown pack's collective performance but named centre, Tu'u Maori, as man of the match.

Maori is in top form and has surely caught the attention of Papua-New Guinea's national team coach Adrian Lam. Maori's centre partner Sonny Tuigamala also had a very strong game in attack.

Win means that Jets regain Frank Hyde Shield

With the Newtown and North Sydney clubs drawn to meet each other three times this season, the Jets' second win on Saturday enabled them to regain the Frank Hyde Shield for the first time since 2007. The Shield presentation for 2010 will take place after the two clubs meet again in late July at North Sydney Oval.

SGE Credit Union Tribute Day

Newtown's front of jersey sponsor, the SGE Credit Union, conducted special promotions at the game and gave Jets supporters and visitors the opportunity to find out about this highly progressive financial organisation that is such a staunch friend to the Newtown Jets.

The great Frank Hyde represented at the game

Members of Frank Hyde's family were at the game to see this year's second contest between the two foundation clubs.

Match summary

Newtown Jets 48 [Tu'u Maori 2, Brad Barrett 2, Ryan Verlinden 2, Keith Peters, Ray Moujalli, Troy Savage, Sonny Tuigamala tries; Tu'u Maori 3, Chris Tuatara-Morrison goals]

North Sydney Bears 18 [4 tries, 1 goal]

Half-time: Jets led 30-0.

Officials: Allan Shortall, Referee; Jimmy Oliveira, Richard Daizli, Touch Judges.

As it happened: try-scoring spree by Jets

Try 1: Tu'u Maori; Try 2: Tu'u Maori; Try 3: Brad Barrett; Try 4: Keith Peters; Try 5: Ray Moujalli; Try 6: Brad Barrett; Try 7: Ryan Verlinden; Try 8: Ryan Verlinden; Try 9: Troy Savage; Try 10: Sonny Tuigamala

Next match

There's no respite for the Jets with another gruelling NSW Cup top four encounter looming for next weekend. Newtown takes on the Western Suburbs Magpies at Campbelltown Stadium next Saturday, 19 June, with this round 15 NSW Cup match timed to start at 3.00pm.