FOR the first time in five years, Gerringong Lions will not feature in the Group 7 Rugby League first grade grand final after the Lions went down 22-20 to the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets in a thrilling elimination final on Saturday.
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With only seconds remaining on the clock at Nowra Showground, the Lions held a 20-18 lead and looked as if they would survive a Jets' second half fightback.
However, Nowra-Bomaderry winger Keiran Brandon pounced on a grubber in the right-hand corner to end the defending premiers' season.
The Jets, who have been the season's surprise package, now move into this weekend's preliminary final against Shellharbour City Sharks.
The winner will qualify for the season decider.
Nowra may have to do so without the services of captain-coach Ben Wellington, who took little part in the game due to a suspected rib injury.
While recent rain ensured a heavy track, both sides were willing to throw the ball around.
Gifted field position from a Jets' penalty while in possession, the Lions took advantage and Nathan Ford crossed off a Lloyd Bowen off-load. Joel Roberts' conversion made it 6-0.
Rixon Russell's bomb earned his side a penalty right on the Jets' line and Peter Cronin, who had been a headache for the Jets all day, crashed over for 10-0.
With just under 10 minutes remaining in the stanza the buffer was extended when Cronin powered over for his second.
Just as it looked like the Lions had taken complete control, Nowra hit back.
A bust by Zac Kershaw in the middle of the field put the home side on the attack and a towering Geoff Johnson bomb saw Gerringong undone.
Jets fullback Isaac Mumberson showed the importance of chasing every kick and touched down just inside the dead-ball line after the ball took a right-angled bounce.
Mark Brandon's conversion sent the two sides to the sheds at 16-6.
With little less than 15 minutes gone in the second half the Jets' defence faltered and Ford and Russell's gamble on the fifth tackle paid off.
The hooker and halfback decided to run the ball and combined to send Russell across the line for 20-6.
Like the first half, just as the Lions appeared to be taking control of the game, Nowra responded.
A penalty in possession, this time against Gerringong, gave the Jets the chance they needed and Johnson found some space out wide to cross.
Mark Brandon's conversion reduced the deficit to 20-12.
Sensing they were in with a sniff, the Jets lifted. As they dominated possession, the penalty count swung in their favour and they found themselves camped on the Lions' line, setting up a thrilling closing stretch.
With eight minutes remaining Peter Cronin's season came to a premature end, as he was sin-binned after repeated Gerringong infringements.
The Jets took almost immediate advantage as prop Mick Blattner crashed over.
Mark Brandon's conversion cut the gap to 20-18.
As time ticked by it appeared the Lions would escape with the tight win, but a scrum in the final minute gave the home side the final chance they needed.
Knowing it was their last shot, the Jets spread the ball wide and found some space, before Nathan Deaves produced a perfectly weighted grubber for Keiran Brandon to pounce on and send the home supporters into rapturous celebrations.
Warilla-Lake South booked their place in the September 21 grand final at Collegians Sports Centre by downing Shellharbour City 22-4 on Sunday.
