Wentworthville Magpies v Blacktown Workers - Round 16 Highlights
The Wentworthville Magpies have secured a hard-fought 22-16 victory over the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at Ringrose Park on Saturday afternoon (6 July) in Round 16 of the Canterbury Cup.
Magpies fullback Bevan French again impressed with another solid performance including a first half try, whilst Eels prop Tim Mannah laid a strong platform through he middle-third of the field with strong carries during his time on the field and half Jaeman Salmon set up two tries in the clash.
Although the pair were crucial in the victory, it was the accurate boot of half Rhys Davies, who kicked 5/5 conversions that proved the difference as the Magpies claimed a six point victory despite both sides crossing for three tries a piece.
French opened the scoring in just the fourth minute of play when he jumped into dummy half and scooted off a quick play the ball to catch the Blacktown defence on the try line.
A penalty in the 10th minute seeing the side holding a 8-0 lead.
Blacktown struck back in the 15th minute when Tony Williams barged his way over the Magpies defence close to the line to score to the left of the posts.
The Magpies gifted Blacktown attacking field position in the next set of six via a penalty, and centre Dane Aukafolau made the home side pay when he was there on the spot to plant a bouncing grubber in the 19th minute.
The Magpies drew level in the 26th minute when back rower Andrew Davey cut back on the inside off a Jaeman Salmon pass to split the defence and beat the fullback to score a converted try under the posts.
A sin binning to Daniel Alvaro just before half time saw the Magpies finish the half one man short, but they entered with a 14-10 advantage at the break.
Blacktown forward Lloyd Perrett crashed his way over in the 44th minute to see the away side claim a two point lead before a penalty goal from Davies just 10 minutes later saw the game draw level once again.
Salmon set up his winger in the 61st minute of the clash, when he dropped the winger back on the inside who then went on to power his way over the Blacktown defence and score a crucial try out wide.
Although the Sea Eagles looked confident with ball in hand in the dying stages, the Magpies defence held strong with some desperate efforts from the men in the middle, helping the home side secure back to back wins.
Wentworthville Magpies 22 (Tries: Bevan French, Andrew Davey, Greg Leleisiuao; Goals: Rhys Davies 5/5)
Def
Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 16 (Tries: Tony Williams, Dane Aukafolau, Lloyd Perrett; Goals: Kane Elgey 2/3)
The eighth placed Magpies will now face the ninth placed Western Suburbs Magpies side at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday 14 July in Round 17 of the competition.
