THE Nowra-Bomaderry Jets created history when they defeated Kiama 28-24 in the under 18s Group 7 grand final at Collegians Sports Field on Sunday.
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The Jets survived a comeback from the fast-finishing Knights, to win the first under 18s crown for the two merged clubs, since the Nowra Warriors won in 1993.
The Jets were immediately under pressure when second-rower Tyson Simpson knocked-on off the kick-off.
But the Jets held strong in defence and minutes later, they were rewarded with a try.
Off a scrum on the 40 metre line, the Jets executed a smooth backline play, which saw James Jaggot fly into open space and run in the match’s first try under the posts.
Lock Shane Dickerson added the extras from right in front and the Jets led 6-nil after five minutes.
The six-point lead was short lived for the Jets, as Knights’ centre Callan Thistlethwaite dived over near the left corner post.
Fullback Dylan Morris couldn’t convert from the sideline, as the Jets stayed in front 6-4.
Back-to-back penalties piggy-backed the Jets down field, which led to prop Chase Sines diving over.
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He was the recipient of a cheeky inside pass from half Zac Blattner, before Dickerson added the extras, to make it 12-4.
The Jets looked certain to add their third try for the day but an excellent ball and all tackle by Knights’ centre Matt Cornell on Dickerson, prevented any chance of that.
Sustained pressure from the Jets, inside the Knights’ area, saw fullback Jason Gillard break two tackles and dive over for the Jets’ third four-pointer of the day.
Zac Blattner converted the try, as the Jets extended their lead to 18-4, which was how it stayed until the break.
The pace of the first half, which saw only one penalty awarded, continued in the second, with both teams prepared to chance their arms.
Jets’ hooker Keedon Johnson added the first points of the second half, when he strolled over from dummy-half.
Dickerson kept his perfect kicking record on tact, with his third conversion of the day, as the Jets extended their advantage 24-4.
Kiama were awarded a penalty on the Jets’ 30 metre line for a strip in the tackle and made the most of the field position.
That set of six, they caught the Jets short out to the left and back-rower Juvilee Samiu dived over.
Morris added the extras with a superb conversion from the left hand touchline and Kiama closed the score to 24-10.
While all this happened, Jets’ five-eighth Mitch Klein had to be helped from the field with a left shoulder issue, after attempting a tackle.
The Kiama resurgence was short-lived when Jets’ Brandon Green picked up a grounded pass from Kiama and ran 40 metres.
He was cut down just short of the line but off the ensuing play, lock Dickerson dived over to score.
He failed in a chance to convert his own try, as the Jets led 28-10 with 18 minutes to go.
Kiama wouldn’t go away though and an unconverted try by centre Cornell closed the margin to 28-14.
Knights’ fullback Morris continued to put the team on his back, with a 70 metre run down the left sideline to score.
He converted his own try and the Knights were within eight at 28-20.
The Knights comeback was well and truly on when halfback Lachlan Farrell powered his way over to score.
Morris was unable to convert and the Jets led 28-24 with eight minutes left on the clock.
The Knights had chances to steal the game in the final minutes but the Jets’ defence held firm, to secure the premiership for Mick Blattner’s men.
Best players for the Jets were Dickerson Jaggot, Gillard, Matt Scott and Kiama were led by Morris, Samiu, Farrell and man of the match Donte Drummond.