AFTER trailing by 21 points only 18 minutes in, a forward pass was all that stopped the Hunter Wildfires from pulling off a stunning comeback and claiming at least a draw and potentially victory over Gordon on Saturday.
The Wildfires scored on full-time in their Shute Shield season-opener against the reigning premiers, a try which if awarded would have levelled the scores and left them kicking from the sideline to win.
Wildfires coach Scott Coleman refused to criticise the "line-ball" call, saying the referee was "in the perfect position, so you've got to go with his decision".
"It was a bitter pill to swallow," he said.
"You're obviously happy the boys fought back and showed some resilience, but you're also filthy with the way they started.
"It was an emotional roller-coaster."
Despite the 31-26 loss, the Wildfires picked up two competition points for scoring four tries and finishing within seven points of Gordon.
"When you take the emotion out of it, it's still a positive start to the season," Coleman said
"The boys have got belief they can mix it with the top teams."
The Wildfires' second-grade side suffered a 59-26 loss, while the under-20s held on for a 31-26 victory.
