THE Nor-West Jets booted the highest score in its blue and white history as it destroyed an undermanned and sadly outclassed Manly-Warringah Wolves by 176 points at Bensons Lane on Saturday.
The Jets kicked eight goals in each of the first three quarters and six in the last to reach the magical 30 goal mark for the first time since changing their name and colours from the Hawkesbury Saints, finally winning (30.15) 195 to (3.1) 19.
The signs were not good for the Wolves from the start as they were forced to run out with just 18 players, having to take on the reigning premiers without the luxury of the six man interchange the home team had.
And even without player/coach Peter Kyle (rested), star full forward Luke Ayling (work commitments), Steve Burrows, Nathan Holland, Chris Kyle, Simon Vrieze, Scott Braid and Aaron Purton, the Jets were never threatened by their battling opponents.
Nor-West broke Manly-Warringah's back in the first quarter, kicking 8.4 to nothing despite the Wolves defence battling manfully against the odds - with the quarter time margin possibly being even higher if it wasn't for the efforts of Grant Wright and Josh Barrey.
Dashing midfielder Gerard Smits was the early catalyst in a brilliant display, kicking three goals and starting many forward thrusts, while Horsham recruit Nathan Dutschke booted two on debut for the club as the Wolves were restricted to just two inside 50s for no score.
After Manly-Warringah broke through for its first goal from a downfield free kick to 22 in the first minute of the second quarter, the Jets continued their rampage, Steve Chase replying within 30 seconds for the first of his two for the term, the other ending a run that produced five goals in eight minutes.
And despite losing Brett Rogers with a broken and dislocated finger just before half-time, the home team ploughed its way to a 100-point lead at the main change.
Any hopes the Wolves may have had of Nor-West easing up in the second half were quickly dispelled when Smits booted two goals in the first minute of the third term, and when Norm Hanley added two more and Smits kicked his sixth, the Jets led by 130 points after seven minutes.
The next three scoring shots were also Jets goals, and after that it was a matter of how far they'd break their scoring record by, with the Wolves fighting it out well to restrict them to just six more goals for the match, while kicking two of their own.
Dutschke added another three in the last quarter to finish with seven in a sparkling debut, while Smits was best on ground with 30-plus possessions and six goals.
Dave Vance dominated in the ruck, providing plenty of opportunities for the Jets, while Adrian Wagner and Greg Jenkins gave away nothing in defence and Kirk Wilson put in a good effort in his first ever game of football.
Accuracy was the main thing after kicking 28.40 in our first two games," Nor-West co-coach Peter Kyle said.
Our basic skills, and one percenters such as shepherding and tackling were outstanding as well, while the talk was more like it should be.
"It's hard to gauge anything from a match like that but we were able to rotate our team heavily and try a few things.
"Full credit to Manly though, they never gave up even though they were short of players and outclassed."
Nor-West returns to Bensons Lane this Saturday from midday to take on the club's closest rival: St Clair.
Last Modified on 27/11/2010 15:18
