RUGBY LEAGUE
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The runway is clear for the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets to soar to another against-the-odds premiership.
Taking on 2014 grand-final foes Warilla in Sunday's elimination semi-final at Cec Glenholmes Oval, the Jets came from behind to prevail 12-8 and book a minor semi-final date with Gerringong.
Last year they lost in the opening week of the play-offs before winning three straight sudden-death games to claim the amalgamated club's maiden premiership.
This year, the Jets crash-landed into the post-season, dropping from third to fifth after losses in three of their past four games.
In contrast, the Gorillas were one of the hottest sides in the competition, with six consecutive wins heading into the clash with the Jets.
But the visitors shrugged off their recent poor form, breaking Warilla hearts for the second time in 12 months.
"We knew it was going to be a tough encounter, and they would've been looking for some redemption for last year's grand final," classy halfback Geoff Johnson said.
"We've been on a bit of a see-saw with form, and today is really what we needed to bring it together for a finals run. We know it takes momentum to get you through the finals. Last year we proved that.
"Today's effort from the boys gave us a bit of a spark and, hopefully, we can take it into next week."
Warilla drew first blood at the 20-minute mark when centre Blake Colgan crashed over to score. Chad Lisch's conversion made it 6-0.
The Gorillas had a few promising chances to extend the margin but let themselves down with poor execution.
Nowra-Bomaderry opened their account with back-rower Matt Rouen's try but Keiran Brandon missed the conversion.
The Jets took an 8-6 lead when Brandon crossed out wide early in the second half before Lisch's penalty goal levelled the score with 20 minutes remaining.
The Gorillas failed to clean up a kick on their own try line five minutes later and Jets winger Isaac Mumberson made them pay with what proved to be the match-winning try.
"It hurts. It's real hollow and I feel everything for the players, but the sun comes up tomorrow and you move on," Warilla coach Peter Hooper said.
"We didn't execute the way we wanted to. No excuses. That's footy.
"You can't say anything about the referee, because both sides had him.
"Success is measured in different ways and, realistically, we've had a great year and we'll build on that for next year."
The Jets like their chances against Gerringong.
"It's all do or die for us. We know that, and the effort we put in today showed we are willing to dig deep for each other," Johnson said.