Doubles from wing Saula Solomona and back rower Dominique Peyroux helped the Vodafone Warriors to a 30-28 win over Newtown on Saturday to ensure they retained a share of the competition lead in the New South Wales Cup.
Twice the Vodafone Warriors had healthy leads, going out 18-0 early in the game and 30-18 in the second half only for the Jets to come back at them each time.
Two tries for Solomona and Peyroux’s first, boosted by Mason Lino’s on-target goal kicking, had the Vodafone Warriors bolting to an 18-0 lead after only 12 minutes.
The lead had evaporated by halftime with former Vodafone Junior Warrior Kurt Kara grabbing a double to have it all tied up at 18-18.
Peyroux’s second and another Lino conversion made it 24-18 11 minutes into the second half before captain John Palavi scored – when the Vodafone Warriors were down to 12 men – to extend the lead to 12 points.
With seven minutes to play the Jets had the margin down to 28-30 leaving the Vodafone Warriors with some anxious moments as they held on for their 12th win of the season.
Lino’s goal kicking was critical as he struck five from five while Newtown’s Todd Murphy failed to convert the last of his side’s five tries.
The Vodafone Warriors have moved up to 30 points level with the Mounties and Wyong but third on points for and against.
Match details | Henson Park, Sydney
Newtown Jets 28 (Kurt Kara 2, Tim Robinson, Corey Brown, Corin Smith tries; Todd Murphy 4 conversions).
Vodafone Warriors 30 (Saula Solomona 2, Dominique Peyroux 2, John Palavi tries; Mason Lino 5 conversions).
Halftime: 18-18.
Referee: Liam Nicholls.
Vodafone Warriors: Viliami Kaveinga; Tomas Aoake, Matthew Allwood, Marata Niukore, Saula Solomona; Ata Hingano, Mason Lino; Upu Poching, Nathaniel Roache, Sam Rapira; John Palavi (c), Dominique Peyroux; David Bhana. Interchange: James Bell, Patrick Sipley, Kouma Samson, Levi Norton.
