Jets’ throw of the dice costs them draw shot

A COURAGEOUS Bilambil outfit have been denied a shock result against Rugby League Gold Coast defending champions Runaway Bay after the most dramatic of finishes at Bycroft Oval.

The Jets surged to an 18-6 lead at one point on Saturday before Bay got their noses in front 28-24. Bilambil scored in the dying moments to level the game – and that’s where the crowd really were drawn to the edge of their seats.

With just seconds remaining, Bay opted for a short kickoff. They were unable to regain possession but Bilambil, desperately chasing their first win since Round 2, spun the ball wide, where it was intercepted by halfback Steve Rooney.

Ben Fritz launched a kick that was toed ahead for second-rower Taylor Daniels to score after the buzzer, sealing a 34-28 win for the home side.

Bay coach Nick Gleeson was full of praise for Bilambil but Jets mentor Kevin Campion cut a frustrated figure after his side’s pursuit of an “unscoreable try” cost them.

“When you’re completing four from 15 (in the second half), you have got to realise you are doing it tough so we should have been happy to be in a position to take the draw. That’s what it deserved; we didn’t deserve to lose,” Campion said.

“It was really disappointing. I’m still stewing over it.”

Bilambil were already without Rex Johnson, Mitch Spackman, Jack Rowles and Bayley Faull and lost Kobi Hugen (broken leg) and Nathan Ingram (torn ACL) midmatch. Bay’s Daymeric Pelo also suffered a broken leg.

Campion admitted his squad were now stretched for depth, especially in the backs.

Southport meanwhile were too good for Tugun 40-18.

“The boys executed the game plan really, really well and our enthusiasm was there,” Tigers skipper Tu Whakatihi said.

Burleigh defeated Ormeau 34-10 yesterday.