After a recent run of good form the Newtown Jets have been brought crashing back to earth in suffering a 40-28 defeat against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The Jets struggled to handle the Bulldogs physical style, conceding eight tries in what was their first defeat since primed seven.
Having just pushed up into the top eight, the loss was a disappointing one for the Jets against a Bulldogs side which now moves into the top spot on the Canterbury Cup ladder.
The Jets were first on the board when new recruit Tyrone Phillips sliced through and planted the ball underneath the uprights, with Brayden Trindall converting to make it 6-0 to Newtown.
Shortly after big Bulldogs winger Jayden Okunbor scored what would be the first of two first half tries in the north eastern corner, with the sideline conversion levelling up the scores.
Will Kennedy managed to get across the line for the Jets in the 22nd minute, but on the defensive end they struggled to control their opponents, the Bulldogs piling on the points in taking a commanding 24-10 lead to the half time break.
Weathering an early storm the Jets moved back into an attacking position and following a strong charge from Josh Carr, a slick backline exchange saw Kennedy touch down for a second.
Trindall converted and at 24-16 with plenty of time on the clock, the Jets had given themselves some hope.
But whatever ambitions they had of mounting a comeback were quickly dashed when Bulldogs winger Christian Crighton scored a soft try to build on their lead only three minutes after the Jets four-pointer.
From that point the Jets toiled hard but were somewhat outclassed by the Canterbury Cup competition-leading Bulldogs.
A try to Newtown backorder Sio Talakai brought some respectability to the scoreline, as did a solo effort from Trindall as the full-time siren was sounding in the background, but it wasn't enough as the Jets suffered their first loss in six weeks.
The Jets will now look to regroup ahead of their next assignment which is game against the Dragons at Henson Park on Saturday.
JETS 28
Will Kennedy 2, Tyrone Phillips, Brayden Trindall, Sio Talakai tries, Brayden Trindall 4 goals
lost to
BULLDOGS 40
