By Patrick Staveley
The Newtown Jets have retained their spot atop The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder with a 32-10 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons at Henson Park.
The Jets were off to a flyer when hooker Jayden Berrell scored a superb solo try after just five minutes.
It took until the 22nd minute for the Jets to cross again when Addison Demetriou finished off a quick shift from the Newtown backline.
Then the highlight of the game came a few minutes later when Luke Metcalf created something out of nothing, scoring a scintillating, long-range try.
A try to Dragons outside back Max Feagai late in the first half, reduced the deficit to 16-4. The Dragons gained more momentum in the second half when Berrell was sent to the sin-bin, which led to a Shalam O’Ofou try and brought the margin back the six points.
St George Illawarra, however, failed to capitalise on any further chances from that point.
The Jets then ran away with the contest after rampaging tries to forwards Charbel Tasipale and Franklin Pele, and one more four-pointer to winger Matt Ikuvalu.
Talking points
The score may have been commanding in the end, but the Dragons put up an admirable fight for majority of the match.
The visitors dominated field position and possession early on but were turned away several times by the desperate defence of the Jets, reiterating why the ladder-leaders remain such a tough opposition.
Key moment
Ultimately it was Luke Metcalf’s sensational try that set the game alight, establishing a 16-0 lead for the Jets and only making it harder for the Dragons to chase down. The five-eighth burst through the Dragons' line and showed serious pace to beat the opposition fullback for a thrilling long-range finish.
What's next?
The Jets and Dragons both have the bye next weekend with the Dragons set to refocus on the task at hand of keeping themselves inside the top eight.
