The Illawarra Cutters fell to the Wests Tigers 24-16 at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
The home side proved quickest to adjust to the overcast weather conditions and in doing so leapfrogged the Cutters into second place on the NSW Cup ladder.
Cutters fullback Tyron Cranston took an early lead in the 12th minute when he stepped inside the wide defenders to score under the posts.
Cutters five-eighth Sam Duggan converted to make it 6-0.
The Cutters scored again through prop Josh Ailaomai ten minutes later when the forward burst onto the ball close to the line and barged over to score.
Duggan converted to make it 12-0.
However, the Tigers struck back through prop Andy Fiagatusa’s try between the posts in the 27th minute.
Tigers winger Corey Brown converted to make it 12-6.
The hosts scored their second four-pointer through prop Andrew Vela adjacent to the posts three minutes from the interval.
Brown converted to level the game at 12-all.
Brown scored a try himself on the cusp of the stanza in the corner to give the Tigers the lead heading into the interval.
The flanker converted his own try for a 18-12 lead at the break.
The home side extended their lead through Jarred Farlow in the 56th minute.
Brown converted once more to make it 24-12.
With the game in the balance and just over fifteen minutes remaining, the Cutters reduced the deficit through late-inclusion Peni Botiki.
A great ball saw him burst through a massive gap and score for the Cutters.
This would be the last points of the game as the Wests Tigers were victorious 24-16 over the Cutters.
Illawarra Cutters 16. Tries: Cranston, Ailaomai, Botiki. Goals: Duggan (2/3).
Wests Tigers 24. Tries: Fiagatusa, Vela, Brown, Farlow. Goals: Brown (4/4).
