The Newtown Jets have relinquished possession of the coveted Frank Hyde Shield for the first time since 2012, in going down 22-8 to the North Sydney Bears at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
The Bears dominated possession and field position in the first half and by rights should have led by more than 14-4 at half-time. Newtown narrowed this deficit to 14-8 with twenty minutes left to play, and were denied a try in a controversial decision with just 12 minutes remaining.
Norths ensured their win when they extended their lead with a try three minutes later, and then added another right on full-time. The Jets did well to stay in this contest as they had to cope with several late changes to their team line-up. The windy conditions made life difficult for the goal-kickers in both teams, with seven tries being scored in total and only one converted.
The Jets travel to Auckland next weekend to take on the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, 20th July in Round 18 of the Canterbury Cup NSW competition.
Match report courtesy Newtown Jets Media
Photo caption: Newtown Jets front-rower Jimmy Jolliffe looks for support in Sunday’s Canterbury Cup match against North Sydney at North Sydney Oval. (Michael Magee photography)
