Jersey Flegg final a thriller at Belmore

The Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs have defeated the Cronulla Sharks in the Jersey Flegg played at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday 17th May by 32 - 22 in the under 19 competition.

To capture the first Jersey Flegg title for the Sharks in a competition that dates back to 1961, this crop of exciting youngsters needed to defeat the Bulldogs for a third time in 2003. A trial match win, followed by a 36-14 round-four triumph at Belmore Oval, meant the Sharks went into the match, if not overwhelming favourites, then certainly more than hopeful of a positive result. The Sharks, 22-20 semi final victors over the Parramatta Eels, faced a formidable Bulldogs outfit.

The Bulldogs, who reached the Final with a 32-24 victory over the Balmain Tigers, have enjoyed plenty of recent success in the NSW Rugby League under 19 competition. The Canterbury club won the Flegg title in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and now 2003.

The very exciting game yesterday at Belmore just show the quality of youth coming through the NSWRL ranks. Details of the match to follow.