Penrith District Rugby League: St Marys and Windsor go to the wire, round five wrap

It’s an all Saturday affair in round five of the Don Feltis Cup. See how the action kicked off in the early game when Windsor headed to St Marys in what proved a thriller. Full wrap.

It’s an all Saturday affair in round five of the Don Feltis Cup.

See how St Marys and Windsor fared in the opening game, that also doubled as a battle for the Don Feltis Challenge Cup.

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SAINTS LEAVE IT LATE

He may have spent time in the sin bin but Jordan Shelley saved his best for last as the St Marys centre broke clear to sink Windsor 20-18 with the final play of the game on Saturday afternoon.

Leading 18-16, it looked like Windsor had done enough to extend their unbeaten start to the season, but with one minute remaining, Shelley broke clear and turned the ball inside for Khan Ridgeway to race away for the match winner.

After finishing level with Cambridge Park last week, Saints took a 10-4 lead to the break leaving them well placed to retain their unbeaten record and pocket another $500 for retaining the Don Feltis Challenge Cup.

But it quickly unravelled with the change of ends. The Wolves broke clear from the restart and with points on offer centre Luke McDonald kicked ahead, only to see his chasing teammate taken out of the play by Shelley.

With the No.4 ordered off for 10 minutes, the Wolves immediately edged to within two points of the lead through winger Broden Laughton.

Still playing with 12, Stanley Hingano defied the odds, crashing over to put St Marys clear 16-8.

In a match that had more twists than lead changes, the Wolves struck twice within the space of four minutes to open an unlikely 18-16 lead.

Jakes Hedges scored the first, and following a few choice words to the referee, St Marys were again forced to play a man down when Jack Burgess was sent to the sin bin.

St Marys are all smiles after they retained the Don Feltis Challenge Cup following a narrow 20-18 victory over Windsor at St Marys Leagues Stadium. Picture: Jason Hosken

Fullback Samuel Coe, one of Windsor’s best, struck along the left edge for the go ahead try. It appeared to be enough, until his opposite backed up in the final minute to ice St Marys’ third win of the season.

“I was sitting there nervous on the sideline,” said Shelley.

“I was halfway up the tunnel and not allowed to watch, but I knew the boys would fight hard.”

Back on the field and with time just about up, Shelley sensed an opportunity and was quick to relay his thoughts to captain and halfback, John Faiumu.

“It’s funny, I was saying to John that we haven’t had one crack down the right edge the whole game,” Shelley explained.

“I didn’t know Khan was going to pass but it just landed in my lap. Then I was clear and just hoping I could return the ball to him on his chest, he did well and finished it off in style.”

HAPPY COACH

Despite almost coming unstuck following the multiple send offs, Faiumu was impressed by his side’s effort to overcome the odds.

“The boys just stuck to it,” the captain-coach said.

“It’s always hard to defend, especially a good side like Windsor. We just kept turning up, they scored on the edges but not necessarily in the middle. Just massive raps, we probably won the middle and were fortunate enough to get away with the win.

BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD

With a number of players absent due to injury or Saturday work commitments, Windsor showed enough to suggest they’ll be a serious contender.

Tireless as always, Eton Lindsay led the Wolves pack and looked to have carried his side across the line with a late charge-down.

In the absence of five-eighth maestro Tori Willie, Windsor were well served in the halves by Connor Potter-Jugovac, who turned Saints around with his pinpoint kicks.

Eton Lindsay almost carried Windsor to victory. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

GLANVILLE SIDELINED

Despite missing the second half with a thumb injury, Aiden Glanville was arguably the Saints’ best.

The No.6 threatened the line with every touch, scoring a double, and consistently pinned the Wolves in the left corner with perfectly placed kicks.

WRAP OF OTHER GAMES TO FOLLOW...