Penrith District Rugby League: Full wrap, week 1 finals team of the week

With week one of the Penrith and District Junior finals run and won, we name our team of the week. See who made the Men’s Div 1 cut, plus see our finals wrap.

After the opening week of finals, here is our team of the week from the two contests in the Open Men’s Division 1 competition.

OPEN MEN DIVISION 1

1. Jake Bentley (Emu Plains)

2. Keegan McGrann (Colyton)

3. James Riik (Emu Plains)

4. Riki Willie (Windsor)

5. George Robson (Windsor)

6. Tori Willie (Windsor)

7. Jake Stig (Emu Plains)

8. Tuni Taualii (Windsor)

9. Tom Wallace (Emu Plains)

10. Eton Lindsay (Windsor)

11. Aidan Ryan (Windsor)

12. Alexander Myles (Emu Plains)

13. Thomas Romer (Emu Plains)

WOLVES EARLY BLITZ

Windsor moved one step closer to the Men’s Division 1 decider after the Wolves got the early jump on Colyton in their 42-18 victory on Sunday.

Windsor were never headed after winger George Robson crossed for the first of his side’s eight tries in the sixth minute.

When these sides last met centre Riki Willie crossed for a hat-trick, this time it was Tori Willie who had a day out. The No.6 scored three tries and played a part in several others.

Colyton backrower Jakeb Vailalo narrowed the gap to 10-6 after 15 minutes. But from the moment Wolves prop Eton Lindsay strolled through the middle and sent David McKay racing away, the Wolves didn’t turn back.

Tyrone Shelley was at his busy best for Windsor. Pictures: Windsor Wolves RL

Trailing 30-6, Colyton lifted after the break and matched Windsor as both teams crossed for two second half tries.

“We deliberately started fast and it worked,” said Windsor captain Troy Dargin.

“Tori was instrumental in organising our attack, and along with Riki and prop Tuni Taualii they were among our best.

“Lindsay is usually an 80-minute player, but we thought he’d be an animal off the bench. And when he came on he set up a try with his first run.

“To Colyton’s credit they never went away,” said Dargin. “I was impressed by half Darren Leary, he keeps demanding the ball and just continues to turn up.”

Windsor’s next task doesn't get any easier when they face minor premiers St Marys for a place in the grand final.

“There’s no secret St Marys are a powerhouse club, but we bring versatility and will front up with several plans depending on how they line-up,” he said.

EMU PLAINS TOO STRONG

Emu Plains booked their spot in the qualifier with a 42-0 demolition of North West.

Led upfront by renowned bruisers Tom Romer and Sam McKendry, Emu Plains barged down the door and quickly piled on five first half tries to lead 26-0.

Centre James Riik flew high for a bomb to help open the scoring in the first minute, and the margin quickly ballooned to 10 when backrower Alex Myles steamed off James Stig’s shoulder from close range.

Stig then crossed for a try of his own in the 17th minute. The busy half kicked on to score a hat-trick, two of which came from Myles line breaks along the right edge.

North West stemmed the flow after the interval but were unable to find the key to unlock the watertight Emu Plains defence.

“Our forwards started physical and fast,” said Emu Plains coach Darren Bell.

“We were getting quick play-the-balls and hooker Tom Wallace was superb in scooping up the ball and engaging the markers.

“But it was our defence that was the difference. We’ve got the best record in the competition and it could prove telling in the games ahead.”

Ali Chrara of St Pats will try to unlock the Emu Plains defence on Sunday. Pictures: Scott Morris Photography

In a blow ahead of next week’s clash with St Pats, Ryan Eisenhuth is once again expected to be missing. But in some good news, Sam Cookson returns from suspension.

“Sam is a massive addition for us,” said Bell. “He can play in the back row or centre. He scored a couple last month against Windsor, and I don’t think St Pats have seen him play before, so he could prove a surprise packet.”

Heading into Sunday’s clash, the spoils are shared one apiece with Emu Plains winning the most recent match 32-16.

JETS TAKE FLIGHT

The Minchinbury Jets launched their finals campaign in style, overcoming St Pats 36-10 in the only finals match played in the U17 Girl’s Division 1 competition.

As the first female side to represent the club in a final, it was a proud day for the St Pats girls. And they got off to a dream start when Amna Saad wrestled free from several defenders to open the scoring in the eighth minute.

Minchinbury quickly returned serve after fullback Tolutoluhama Fakalangi put the defence on the back foot, and they hit the front 8-4 when Lakishar Fepuleai thundered through centrefield like a runaway rhino.

In a tight tussle nearing the break, Jets lock Micayla Bourne cracked open the contest with a decisive four-pointer which was quickly followed by another to Fepuleai.

Shelby Szabo (left) and Lakishar Fepuleai both scored twice for Minchinbury. Pictures: Mrs P Photography

After leading 20-4 at the break, Minchinbury skipped further ahead when Yasmin Tupou latched onto a lovely long ball from Ella Patu.

Lively No.9 Shelbi Szabo then grabbed a late double before St Pats crossed late with arguably the try of the match.

Seemingly covered by a wall of defenders, Liandra Seve-Faleapa muscled through the front line and with no support, stepped past fullback to crash over under the posts.

Minchinbury’s march to the big dance continues on Sunday against minor premiers St Marys.

GRAND FINAL QUALIFIERS – SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Men’s Division 1

St Patricks (2) v Emu Plains (3) at Cec Blinkhorn and Ridge Park Oval, 3:00pm

St Marys (1) v Windsor (4) at The Kingsway, 3:30pm

U17 Girls Division 1

Emu Plains (2) v St Clair (3) at HE Laybutt, 9:00am

St Marys (1) v Minchinbury (4) at The Kingsway, 10:30am