Highlanders' Fling Foils Hewat's Plans For Farewell Party

Sun Herald

Sunday July 29, 2007

By Daniel Ramus

GORDON 28

MANLY 20

DAYS after severing his ties with the Waratahs, Peter Hewat did his best to finish with Manly on a winning note yesterday - but it wasn't enough.

Hewat scored a try, kicked a conversion and penalty goal in an exciting game, but Gordon triumphed at Sydney Football Stadium on the back of four tries.

With all eyes on England-bound Hewat, the Highlanders came from behind to steal victory.

The plate was contested by teams that did not make the final six of the Shute Shield competition.

"We started well ... I thought we had a fair bit of structure about our play and then got a bit loose towards the end of the first half," Hewat said.

While he will play for the Central Coast Rays in the Australian Provincial Competition, Hewat is preparing for a stint in England with London Irish.

The classy fullback said he made the move - believed to be worth $1.4 million over three years - because he'd gone as far as he thought was possible in Australia. "I've spoken to [Waratahs coach] Ewen McKenzie and they are all about producing Wallabies," the 29-year-old said.

"I have to look at it as a business decision, and I'm also looking for a lifestyle change."

Gordon took control in the final 20 minutes and winger Greg Wade clinched victory with a try four minutes from full-time.

GORDON 28 (J Whittaker, B Ratu, M Preston, G Wade tries; D Harvey goal, 2 pens) beat MANLY 20 (D Collis, P Hewat, B Rauqe tries; P Hewat goal, pen).

© 2007 Sun Herald

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