Newington 51 Joeys 7
The big Newington forwards imposed themselves from the start and didn't let up until the final whistle blew. Hugh Roach, Ezrah Amituani and Joel Luani were the standout forwards, relentlessly pouding the joeys defensive lines and often exposing weakness. To joeys credit, they never gave up but Newington proved too strong; winning scrums against the feed and counter-rucking joeys breakdowns.
Impact player Dillon Walford from Joey's was...standoffish, for which he cannot be blamed after receiving a bone crunching hit from number 8 Luani. Joey's standout back was Le Lievre, capitalising on lazy defence to score Joey's only try. However, the remainder of Joey's backs struggled. Despite a few breaks down the wing, their play on the ball was stagnant and lack lustre; entailing loose passes and poor ball security.
As always, Apolosi Latunipulu stamped dominance and class on the game. While demonstrating an uncanny ability to break tackles the Australian Rep also made use of his 13 Roods, often putting him in space with good ball. Credit must also go to winger Roye, making a number of good runs down the sideline. The newington backline defence was also impeccable, shutting down the lightning fast Joey's back and forcing the aforementioned Joey's mistakes.
The whistle blew and while the scoreline was grim for Joey's they showed dignity; tunnelling the Newington 1st XV off the field. I don't think any other side would have lost as graciously as Joey's did today.
And one round out of the season's close the premiership was decided. Newington broke a 32 year drought in what they will hope, was the start of a new era.
