The Nor-West Jets proved far too quick for their lumbering Penrith opponents at Grey Gums Oval last Saturday, downing the Rams by 67 points in a dazzling fourth quarter display.
Up by only two goals at the last change, Andrew Spring, Nathan Holland and Matt Blackborough took the brunt of the Rams physical pressure to allow the side's small men to take charge.
Stephen Chase and Rob Philp had a field day in the final term, exposing the Rams' real weakness, a severe lack of pace.
The last 20 minutes became an avalanche of goals as the Jets' superior skill level produced exciting passages of play and nine goals in a percentage boosting victory.
The game started at a furious pace as the Rams fielding four players weighing in at more than 120 kg, showed why they are regarded as one of the more powerful sides by surging towards goal and scoring the first major of the game.
With its confidence high, the Penrith side tried to intimidate the Jets and continued to be aggressive at the ball, controlling play for the first 15 minutes of the game.
But the Jets remained patient and stayed true to their game plan of matching their bigger opponents for aggression, and slowly started to take control around the packs and on the scoreboard.
The re-emergence of Dave Ebert added strength to the Jets' defensive structure and his partnership with Adrian Wagner and Jon Schoenmaker gave the side dominance across the half-back line which became the springboard to produce winners right across the park.
The trio continually linked with Chris Laing and Clint Gardner who found space on the expansive wings at Grey Gums.
Mick Earl was allowed to move into an attacking role to join Jim Lavery, Dave Blyth and Fraser Thomson as another high marking option in the forward line. This group proved difficult for the Rams defence to cover, and Earl became a real thorn in the home side by taking well over a dozen grabs and finishing with six goals.
* Final score: Nor-West Jets 20.12 (132) defeated Penrith Rams 10.5 (65).
Best players: Mick Earl, Andrew Spring, Clint Gardner, David Ebert, Stephen Chase, Matt Blackborough.
Goal kickers: Mick Earl 6, Jim Lavery 3, Julian Goonan 3, Fraser Thomson 2, Andrew Spring 2, Chris Laing 1, Nick Milkins 1, Nick Cain 1, Steve Chase 1.
Reserve Grade: Nor West Jets 11.10 (76) bt Penrith 11.6 (72). Under 18: Penrith 27.19 (181) bt Nor West Jets 1.0 (6).
Last Modified on 27/11/2010 15:46
