In a match played for the Frank Hyde Shield between two of rugby league’s traditional rivals, the Newtown Jets went down by 16-12 to the North Sydney Bears on Saturday afternoon.
Out of finals contention and playing for pride, the Jets put in a spirited performance but were unable to come away with the points in what was the culmination of a frustrating season.
Well and truly in plenty of games this year the Jets were just unable to finish matches off and claim the victories necessary to challenge for the Intrust Super Premiership finals.
Following is a brief match report from the Jets last game for 2017.
Jets beaten narrowly by Bears in final round
by Newtown Jets Media
The Newtown Jets have ended their 2017 rugby league season with a 16-12 loss to the North Sydney Bears. Norths led 16-12 at halftime and there were no further points scored in the second half. By a quirk of fate, Newtown had beaten the Bears 16-12 back on 14th May in the tenth round. As the teams have won one game each and were tied on points for and against, the Frank Hyde Shield series for 2017 has ended in a draw between the two foundation clubs.
The Bears scored the first try of the game in the second minute, and then took advantage of receiving four penalties in rapid succession to score their second try and lead 10-0 after thirteen minutes. The Jets returned fire five minutes later when they had some possession at Norths end, with second-rower Jack Williams bursting through to score.
Norths extended their lead to 16-6 in the 33rd minute, but the Jets responded by creating an overlap for winger Brent Anderson to score wide out one minute before halftime. Joseph Paulo converted both Newtown tries and the Jets trailed 16-12 at the break.
Newtown had several chances to score in the second half but not even the big reunion day home crowd could will the Jets to conjure up that elusive match-winning try. North Sydney defended well in the second half and now advance into the Intrust Super Premiership finals. The Jets also tackled well in the second forty minutes to prevent the Bears from extending their lead.
Jets halves Joseph Paulo and Fa’amanu Brown, centre Reubenn Rennie and winger Leigh Higgins were Newtown’s best backs and Kurt Kara, Kurt Dillon and Adam Clydsdale were the best forwards.
Kurt Kara announced his retirement from rugby league after the game, having played seven splendid seasons and more than 150 games with the Jets.
JETS 12
Brent Anderson, Jack Williams tries, Joseph Paulo 2 goals
lost to
NORTH SYDNEY 16
