THE Nowra-Bomaderry Jets proved too strong when they defeated Kiama 28-24 in the under-18s Group 7 grand final at Collegians Sports Field.
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The Jets got off to a flying start and off a scrum in the fifth minute, 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.
He was the recipient of a cheeky inside pass from half Zac Blattner, before Dickerson added the extras, to make it 12-4.
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 and the Jets led 18-4 at the break.,
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 hit back when they caught the Jets short out to the left and back-rower Juvilee Samiu dived over and Morris added the extras.
The Kiama resurgence was short-lived when Jets’ 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, but Morris missed the kick 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.