The Panthers travelled to Henson Park on Saturday afternoon, with the Newtown Jets pouring in plenty of points to put the Panthers away, 44-6.
The Newtown Jets crossed first, a dominant set ending with a crash play seeing Max Bradbury cross, Samuel Healey supplying the ball. Conversion successful, 0-6.
The Panthers slowly dragged themselves back into the game after that first try. A good kick from Toelau was put down by Tom Rodwell, opening a chance up, but the final pass was put down. The first of two missed tries from the Panthers.
Soni Luke darted between defenders and got his hand free, popping an offload out for Preston Riki, but he put it down under the posts and Panthers first points were still yet to come.
Former Panther, Liam Ison, turned it on with about 20 to go in the first half, splitting the Panthers wide open after a solid backline shift from the Jets. Ison turned the jets on and accelerated past Iongi to score in the corner. Conversion successful, 0-12
Ison was dangerous once again, splitting the Panthers open but the defence scrambled to prevent any points coming from it.
Just five minutes later it was Ison again, putting in a huge performance, this time with a cutout ball which put Rodwell through a gap, before he kicked inside to the try scorer, Chris Vea’ila. Conversion successful, 0-18.
The Jets continued to dominate in the second half, a backline shift gave Sam Stonestreet just enough space for him to dive over in the corner, with an impressive acrobatic finish. Conversion unsuccessful, 0-22
Just five minutes later, Stonestreet had a double, some frantic passing eventually finding its way to the right side for the jets and Ferris executed the 1-on-1 to put Stonestreet over. Conversion successful, 0-28.
The points kept piling on, Samuel Healy pulling defenders over the line with him to extend the lead. Conversion successful, 0-34.
It wasn’t long after that Vea’ila had a double, running a tough line off a Niwhai Puru short ball to crash over the line. Conversion unsuccessful, 0-38.
The Panthers got a consolation try late in the piece, Billy Scott throwing a crash ball for Preston Riki who fought his way to the line. Conversion successful, 6-38.
Ison and Vea’ila combined yet again to pour salt in the wound in the final minute, Ison punching through a gap before offloading to Vea’ila who ran the journey. Conversion successful, 6-44.
