The Illawarra Cutters were defeated 20-18 in their final pre-season trial against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at WIN Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides found the line in the opening 20 minutes before play was suspended due to a severe storm, which produced large hailstones and heavy rainfall.
At this time the Cutters held a slim 6-4 lead courtesy of a try to hooker Siliva Havili.
The players returned to the field shortly after but were forced to leave it again due to nearby lightning. It didn't prevent the Bulldogs regaining the lead at 10-6 just prior to the forced break though.
The lengthy break didn't favour the Cutters, with the Bulldogs scoring within the first five minutes of play resuming to extend their lead to 16-6.
10 minutes later, the Cutters scored through winger Izaac Thompson as the deficit was cut back to four points.
A short time later, utility Keelyn-Tuuta Edwards found some space to race over for the Cutters' third try of the afternoon. Nona slotted the goal to give the Cutters a 18-16 lead heading into the final quarter.
While the final quarter was ultimately scrappy for the few brave souls present, a final burst of energy from the Bulldogs saw them steal a 20-18 victory at the death.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 20 defeated Illawarra Cutters 18 (Siliva Havili, Izaac Thompson, Keelyn-Tuuta Edwards tries; Nona 3/3 goals) at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.
