The Jets and Bulldogs played out an absorbing 18-all draw in a highly physical NSW Cup battle at Sharks Stadium on Sunday.
Extreme conditions proved tough to conquer with multiple errors, however both sides produced gutsy performances.
The match, which was transferred from Belmore Sports Ground due to the state of the field, took place during a torrential downpour.
Canterbury forced a first-play mistake from the Jets, giving them solid field position to open the match, but Newtown defended stoutly and held them out.
Strong attack and a penalty then pushed Newtown upfield, where hooker Jayden Berrell slipped through a grubber to centre Michael Gabreal, who claimed the opening try in the eighth minute. Halfback Niwhai Puru could not convert.
It wasn't long before Bulldogs second-rower Logan Spinks slid across in the 14th minute. Halfback Toby Sexton converted, Canterbury leading the Jets 6-4.
A tug-of-war ensued during the middle of the first half with both sides struggling to complete. Puru forced a grubber to earn Newtown a repeat set in prime try-scoring range, but it was the Bulldogs who scored next in the 29th minute.
Off the back of a penalty, Canterbury marched downfield and prop Kurtis Morrin sliced through the middle to put his team ahead in deteriorating conditions. Sexton added the extras and stretched their lead out by eight.
To close out the first half, Jets fullback Mawene Hiroti went in left of the posts. Puru slotted the goal on the buzzer to send Newtown into the break only trailing by two points.
The Jets forced a mistake from the kick-off to open the second half, allowing Hiroti to snatch his second of the match with brute strength. Puru converted, restoring Newtown's lead for the first time since the 14th minute.
A Puru penalty goal extended Newtown's lead to eight, but moments later the Bulldogs hit back with a try to Zyon Maiu'u. With Sexton converting, the scores were levelled at 18-18.
Puru had two attempts at field goal in the final four minutes, however the Jets playmaker was off target.
The result stood as a draw as the final siren rang out, with both sides playing tough footy in the driving rain.
Newtown will tackle the fifth-placed Panthers at Henson Park next Saturday as they continue their charge towards the finals.
Lead photo courtesy of Bryden Sharp
