Throw Back Thursday – Jets Do The Mose Mash

THROWBACK THURSDAY: Each week thanks to Cryo, bring you a story from our rich history. Today, ahead of our sudden death semi-final clash this Sunday we revisit the corresponding fixture from 2012, which was against the same team and at the same venue.

JETS DO THE MOSE MASH

“The second half . . . was one of the most remarkable sets of forty minutes anyone is likely to see.”

Those are the words used by author Glen Dwyer when describing Newtown’s monumental 32-30 win over North Sydney in the 2012 elimination semi-final at Leichhardt Oval. Trailing 24-6 after 51 minutes, the Jets looked set to be the grounded for another season. However, a herculean effort from rampaging prop Mose Masoe proved the impetus for a sterling comeback.

Masoe got the ball rolling in the 57th minute of play when he spun over from close range. Minutes later, former Raiders winger Justin Carney made it 24-18 when he scored off a 95-metre kick return. North Sydney’s managed to make it 30-18 with 11 minutes remaining when winger Curtis Johnson scored an opportunistic try against the run of play. Whilst the momentum was with the Bluebags, time was running out.   

The Jets deployed a successful short kick-off. Daniel Tupou made valuable ground towards the Norths’ goal line. Masoe then grabbed his second two minutes later, which Mortimer converted to make the score 30-24 with just three minutes remaining. But Masoe wasn’t done with yet. North Sydney’s five-eighth Luke Keary attempted a drop goal which was charged down by Masoe, who also managed to regather the ball. Two rucks later Daniel Mortimer scored to tie the scores with less than a minute left in regulation time.

North Sydney had one last shot at a long-range drop goal but the kick went wide. With the scores level after 80 minutes, the game went into golden point extra time. Newtown received the kick-off and raced downfield quickly. Forward Anthony Cherrington managed to get the Jets within 35 metres of Norths’ line on the last tackle, however, a stray hand from a Bears defender caused the ball to be ripped from his grasp. Without hesitating, referee Jon Stone blew a penalty, handing Mortimer the chance to win the game via a penalty from out wide. Despite the immense pressure, Mortimer connected with the ball spectacularly, winning the game and pitching the Jets into a preliminary final showdown with Canterbury-Bankstown.

Coach, Greg Matterson rated Mose Masoe, Jack Bosden and Daniel Mortimer as being among the Jets’ best, and noted the outstanding first half defensive efforts by Kurt Kara and Ahmad Ellaz. Centre Francis Vaiotu was also strong.

Newtown Jets 32 (Justin Carney 2, Mose Masoe 2, Daniel Mortimer tries; Daniel Mortimer 6 goals) defeated North Sydney Bears 30 (5 tries, 5 goals) at Leichhardt Oval. At half time, North Sydney led 18-6. The referee was Jon Stone. The touch judges were Brenden Wood and Jay Farlow.

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