NOR-WEST JETS vs UTS BATS ROUND 7
With coastal rain causing the closure of Trumper Park late Friday, all games scheduled for that ground were transferred to a dry but winter fresh Bensons Lane. In the early game, the Jets faced a handy Bats outfit, who, with sleep still in their eyes, won the toss and used the breeze blowing to the clubhouse end to good effect, kicking 2 goals 3 behinds and restricting the home side to no score.
The Jets were battling hard, with a solid debut to Ben Graydon, and great work on the wing from Pirate Pete Richardson, and started the 2nd term with a bang, kicking the first goal and threatening to challenge the Bats, however, a red card ended Captain Nick Milkins’ game, and the Jets had to play out the quarter a man short. Despite this, Nor-West thwarted UTS’ forward moves, keeping them to only 2 goals, as the Bats took to the main break with a 22 point lead.
Once the Jets defrosted from the morning chill, they came out to play some footy, and played their best quarter of the game, kicking three goals to UTS’ 5. Daniel Harding, despite a foot injury, was in great form, as was Evan Dutton in his first appearance this year, and the defensive unit of John Davidson, Steve Steasek and Mat Laurence kept the scoreline at a respectable level. Worthy of mention was the game of Hank Scorpio, who shouldered the ruck duties all day against an opponent who was at least a foot taller, and cen hold his head high after a great performance.
Late in the quarter, club veteran suffered a huge blow to the ribs, courtesy of his own team mates knees, and was stretchered off the field. Further tests at hospital revealed 4 busted ribs and damage to his lung, and we thank the staff at Hawkesbury Hospital for their efforts in helping Rocket, and wish him a speedy recovery.
Jesse Bray dropped back into the defensive hole and collected plenty of the ball, while up forward, Dan Beck and Daniel Graham helped themselves to 2 goals each, but the Bats had secured the win.
13.9-87 to 6.2-38.
Goals- J. Bray 2, D. Beck 2, D. Graham.
Best- J. Davidson, J. Bray, D. Graham, D. Beck, H. Scorpio, S. Steasek.
In the Seniors, the Jets needed a win to keep touch with the top 4, and met the undefeated UTS. The additions of Matt Lloyd & co-captain strengthened the Jets line up, and the first quarter saw the game resemble circlework, as both sides found their rhythm. Ash Condon was dominating in the ruck early against UTS’ Irish man mountain, and Josh James was receiving some rough treatment usually reserved for absent focal point Luke Ayling. Mick Gray was chosen to tag out the Bats’ dangerous forward Capozzi, while Steve Davidson proved untouchable in the centre.
A promising senior debut to Ryan Bowen was on show, as he out-muscled his more experienced opponent on several occasions. The Jets were playing way below their potential, and UTS took a 14 point advantage to the main break.
In the critical 3rd term, the Jets thundered out of the blocks, with some telling tackles, and solid defensive work from key backmen Sam Makins, Warwick Smith and Aaron Bayne, inspired after seeing his father injured in the twos game. The Jets added 4 goals and held the Bats to just one, and the home side held a slender 4 point lead going into the last.
Sadly, the Jets looked flat in the final quarter, as the strong Bats held the Jets scoreless and added 5 of their own, to take a 33 point win back to Paddington.
Goals- J Pascoe 3, J Thomson, J James, P Sherwood, R Bowen, C. Wenselowski 1 each.
Best- A Condon, S Makins, J Thomson, S. Davidson, W Smith, J James.
The Jets host Division 2 heavyweights Holroyd Parramatta and 2nd placed Mac Uni Warriors in Division 4 this week, in what is certain to be two cracking games. Reserve Grade starts at midday at Bensons Lane.
Last Modified on 27/11/2010 17:48
