The Saint George Illawarra Dragons National Youth Competition team were 24-22 victors over the Sydney Roosters in their ANZAC Day fixture at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Friday.
The Young Dragons notched five tries in the two-point win to secure a further two vital competition points ahead of an extended period off.
Dragons Co-Head Coaches Ben Hornby and Dean Young opted to stand by the line-up announced midweek, which meant Bronson Hoani made his grade debut off the Bench.
Despite a rain soaked first quarter, the Roosters were the first to claim points through center Brendan Elliot, who brought his team to a four-point lead in the 12th minute.
Dragon’s winger Izaac Thompson equaled the score eight minutes later, as he scooped up a Roosters error before crossing the line.
Thompson’s Roosters opposite Jack Goodsell scored in a very similar manner on the half hour mark.
Roosters halfback Jackson Hastings converted to make it 10-4.
But the Red V were not behind for long, as five-eighth Drew Hutchison beat his way to the line nine minutes from the interval to get his name on the score sheet.
Dragons winger Sitiveni Moceidieke converted to make it 10-all.
The Dragons nosed ahead with an additional four-pointer nine minutes into the resumption of play courtesy of a line break to fullback Matthew Dufty.
However, Roosters prop Hame Sele crossed over to again even the game and a sideline conversion by Hastings put the visitors in front by two points.
But less then five minutes later a 50metre line-break by Thompson was spread to hand fellow winger Moceidieke a try in the corner.
The hosts’ lead was short-lived, however, as Roosters prop Mitchell Subotin crossed over two minutes later.
Hastings converted to make the score 22-18.
With three minutes left on the clock Dragons halfback Adam Clune danced his way to the line to yet again even the scoreboard.
The Young Dragons were put in front by a successful conversion to hooker Hayden McCrae.
St George Illawarra Dragons 24 defeated the Sydney Roosters 22
St George Illawarra Dragons 24 . Tries: Thompson, Hutchison, Dufty. Moceidieke, Clune Goals: Moceidieke (1/3), McCrae (1/2).
Sydney Roosters 22. Tries: Elliot, Goodsell. Sele, Subotin Goals: Hastings (3/4).
