The Newtown Jets have been beaten in a rugged Intrust Super Premiership decider, the Bulldogs coming back from a 10-0 deficit in scoring an 18-12 triumph.
The Jets, the Sharks partner club in the ISP competition, were brave and determined but seemingly all the big moments went the way of their opponents, an opportunistic try late in the contest seeing the Bulldogs prevail.
The first half was physical with neither side able to post points but it would be the Jets to point first points on the 20-minute mark and it took some spectacular play to break the scoring drought.
Pushing the ball through the hands down their right and side it would be Aaron Gray who found Sione Katoa, with the young winger having plenty of work to do before amazingly getting the ball down in the south-western corner despite the attention of two Bulldog defenders.
Kicking into a fresh southerly, Kyle Flanagan couldn't add the extra two points but it was the Jets up 4-0.
Gaining some confidence from their first strike the Jets worked into an attacking position once again and this time it would be the Jets halfback to add to his team's lead, Flanagan touching down adjacent to the uprights after a clever show and go from close range.
Flanagan converted his own try and the Jets were ahead 10-0 with half-time approaching.
However just when they appeared ready to take a nice lead to the break, the Bulldogs would give themselves a lift for the second period, Fa'amanu Brown picking up a loose pass 10-metres from the try line then dashing over under the uprights without a hand being aid on him.
After multiple looks from the video referee the Bulldogs got the green light and at the same time a lift heading into the second half.
The try was converted and it was anyone's game at 10-6 Jets at the end of the opening 40-minutes.
Some 13 minutes into the second half the Bulldogs would level, then go in front, winger Josh Bergamin exploiting an overlap to score wide out, with Rhyse Martin giving his team its first lead at 12-10 in front when successful with the sideline conversion,
It took the Jets until the 65th minute to level, Flanagan chipping over a penalty goal after Billy Magnolias had been stripped of the ball following a line break and it was all square with time ticking.
It was going to take something special or an error to decide the result and there was a bit of both in the game-deciding try, Bulldogs centre Morgan Harper taking the ball away from the Jets Matt Evans in a one-on-one strip and running 20-metre to score wide out.
On this occasion the conversion sailed wide but a Martin penalty goal put his team in front by sixth less than five on the clock.
As hard as they tried in the final few minutes the Bulldogs would hold firm and claim the 2018 ISP title, setting up a win next weekend against the winners of the Queensland ISP champions.
JETS 12
Kyle Flanagan, Sione Katoa tries, Flanagan 2 goals
lost to
BULLDOGS 18
