NOR-West Jets returned to the winners' list with a hard-fought victory against the Southern Sharks at Cronulla on Saturday.
The Jets led by 14 points at the last break but had to withstand a strong Sharks' fightback before inspirational captain Andrew Spring sealed the win.
Spring followed his own kick into the forward line, won a hard-ball contest and then kicked the winning goal.
The home team opened the game well, using the blustery off-shore breeze to take a 10-point lead.
Steven Chase and the always dependable on-ball pair of Michael Earl and Spring kept the Jets' hopes alive.
Big David Blyth took control of the air in the second stanza, while Andrew Turtle and Jason Kemp showed their older team-mates how to go about attacking the ball.
Both these boys played full games for the under 18s earlier in the day and showed plenty of courage to prove they have the potential to go further in the game.
Chris Laing's great running goal late in the second term made it three for the quarter for the Jets, enabling them to stay within touch at half-time.
Injuries to Nick Milkins, David Wilson and Jason Borg forced them from the ground but seemed to galvanise the Jets.
Vice captain Fraser Thomson was moved to centre half back and his long kicking out of defence became a key factor in the vital third quarter.
The Jets piled on six goals, with Travis Bates providing a good target up forward.
Nathan Holland helped shut down the Sharks' experienced captain-coach and create openings for Peter Kyle and Chris Laing to kick two important goals.
* Final Scores: Nor-West Jets 14.9 (93) def Southern Sharks 12.8 (80).
* Goal Kickers: Andrew Spring (4), David Blyth (2), Chris Laing (2), Michael Earl (2), Peter Kyle, Gerard Smits, Clint Gardner and Andrew Turtle.
* Best Players: Andrew Spring, Nathan Holland, Steve Chase, Mick Earl, David Blyth and Chris Laing.
Last Modified on 27/11/2010 15:37
