Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles suffered a 50-8 loss to the Newtown Jets at 4 Pines Park today in Round 23 of the NSW Cup.
With Blacktown Workers already securing the dreaded wooden spoon, it was always going to be a tough task for a weakened home side against the competition leaders.
The Jets scored three tries in a ten minute period from the fifth minute thanks to tries from winger Mawene Hiroti, prop Thomas Hazelton and prop Jesse Colquhoun. Hiroti converted the latter two for an early 16-0 lead.
Sea Eagles second-rower Kenny Soumpholphakdy stormed through the middle of the field with a strong run, holding three defenders with him, eventually being taken down 25 metres out from the line.
Newtown scored tries in the 28th and 32nd minute through Franklin Pele and Ryan Rivett respectively, with Hiroti converting both for a 28-0 lead.
The Sea Eagles had their first real opportunity of the match in the 38th minute. Winger Lorenzo Mulitalo was unfortunate with the bounce of the ball as he chased down a grubber kick to the in-goal that eventually rolled over the deadball line.
The Jets scored long-range tries in the 44th minute through Luke Metcalf and six minutes later through fullback Kayal Iro. Hiroti converted the second try for a 38-0 lead.
Blacktown won the ball back from a short kick-off and were awarded two penalties in a matter of minutes. Despite the chances, Newtown held tight with their defence and stopped the home side from getting their points on the board.
Sea Eagles prop Lopeti Mafi broke through the defence at Newtown’s 10 metre line thanks to a short ball from hooker James Segeyaro but was unfortunately held up just short of the tryline.
In Newtown’s next set, they ran full field to score as Franklin Pele grabbed his second for the day. Hitomi converted to take the score to 44-0 with 15 minutes to play.
The Sea Eagles finally scored in the 70th minute through winger Bailey King after a lovely set-up from fullback Toby King. The winger took the past and dived early to prevent being taken out and grounded the ball for a 44-4 scoreline.
Toby scored Blacktown’s second try in a matter of minutes after beating a handful of defenders in the right corner, taking the score to 44-8.
Newtown second-rower Charbel Tasipale scored a late try for his side and Hiroti converted, for a final scoreline of 50-8.
Blacktown Workers wrap up their disappointing season with an away game against Canberra next Saturday.
