The North Sydney Bears claimed the Frank Hyde Shield in Round 18 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, holding on to defeat the Newtown Jets 12-10 in a gripping, rain-soaked contest at North Sydney Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams arrived level on 24 competition points, with the winner moving to outright third on the ladder. The Frank Hyde Shield added a fierce edge to an already fierce rivalry, with Newtown entering the match as the reigning shield holders after their 36-22 victory in Round 18 last year.
Heavy rain set in right on kick-off, making conditions treacherous throughout and turning the contest into an arm wrestle from the opening set. Both defences dominated in the first 15 minutes, with neither side able to find the try-line despite repeated incursions into dangerous territory.
The Bears drew first blood in the 17th minute when fullback Ammaron Gudgeon crossed after a sharp play from bench utility Josh Cook on his first touch. Kieran Hayman converted to make it 6-0. The Jets responded with quality of their own, with Niwhai Puru's darting run creating the space for Jaxon Lavender to finish in the 37th minute. Riley Pollard converted, and the sides went to half-time locked at 6-all.
The second half was equally tense, with both teams defending fiercely. The Jets broke through first in the second period when a sustained set of six produced the position for Lavender's quick pass out to Pollard, which saw him score a try in the 52nd minute. His conversion attempt hit the post and stayed out, leaving Newtown ahead 10-6.
The Bears refused to fold. Prop forward Phillip Makatoa delivered the momentum-turning moment with a powerful try close to the posts in the 66th minute, with Hayman converting to push North Sydney to a 12-10 lead with 14 minutes remaining.
The final quarter was a nervy finish, with both teams making errors in the wet conditions and neither able to add to the scoreline. The Bears repelled wave after wave of Jets attack in the closing stages, including a line-break from Puru off a restart that nearly gifted Newtown a match-winning chance, before holding out until the final siren as the Bears took out the 12-10 victory.
Talking Points
- Phillip Makatoa was the Bears' standout performer up front. The prop was relentless with his carry throughout and delivered the try that swung the match back in North Sydney's favour at a critical moment.
- Niwhai Puru was dangerous for the Jets all day. The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks halfback, who has already made his NRL debut this season, repeatedly created opportunities with his running game and left boot but couldn't produce the decisive moment when it mattered most.
- Kieran Hayman was ice-cool with the boot, slotting both his conversion attempts in difficult conditions to prove the difference between the two sides on the scoreboard.
Key Moment
With the Jets leading 10-6 and 14 minutes remaining, Makatoa charged onto the ball from close range and crashed over to level the scores. Hayman's conversion gave the Bears a two-point lead they would not relinquish. Had the Jets held their defensive line in that moment, they may well have run out winners.
What's Next?
The Bears return to North Sydney Oval next Sunday to face the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, while the Jets strive for two competition points when they face the Melbourne Storm next Saturday.
