Wests Magpies endured a heRound art-wrenching defeat, falling 25-24 to Newtown Jets in the dying moments of the game at Lidcombe Oval during 3 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup.
At halftime, the Magpies were behind 12-6, but they managed to take a six-point lead with just 15 minutes left. However, the Jets turned the tide by scoring a converted try and a last-minute field goal, securing a comeback victory.
Similar to the earlier Jersey Flegg match that preceded the NSW Cup fixture, the Magpies showed significant improvement following their heavy defeat in Canberra last weekend.
Latu Fainu, the latest addition to the Wests Tigers NRL squad, made his season debut and scored the first of his team’s four tries after 19 minutes.
However, the Jets responded with two consecutive tries before halftime, taking a six-point lead into the break.
Early in the second half, Justin Matamua scored the Magpies’ second try, but then Brent Naden, in his first appearance of the season, was sent to the sin bin.
Despite being down a player, the Magpies managed to score two consecutive tries through James Valevatu and Alex Lobb.
With five minutes remaining, the Jets equalized the score at 24-all with a try from fullback Liam Ison, but a last-minute field goal from Niwhai Puru secured victory for the Magpies.
