The Nor-West Jets rarely managed to beat their experienced opponents to the punch at Bensons Lane on Saturday as UNSW/Eastern Suburbs powered to a 91-point victory.
After an even first quarter in which big Fraser Thomson and the nippy roving pair of Greg Wilson and Matt Blackborough recorded majors, the story of the game was established in the second.
The Jets mounted wave after wave of attacking moves into the forward 50, only to find the easteners blocking up holes by swinging numbers behind the play.
The superior work rate of Easts dried up the Jets' scoring opportunities while still maintaining pressure on the sometimes overwhelmed defence.
Nick Cain was moved to centre half-back and started to take some of his trademark steadying marks while David Wilson and Mick Earl worked to their usual high standard. But the quality of the visitors' attacking football held the Jets to one goal for the term - and established a six-goal margin.
Andrew Spring and Nathan Holland more than matched their on-ball opposites with strength, "Dutchy" in particular making several crunching tackles.
Clint Gardner was a clear winner on his wing and Jim Lavery proved a key focal point in pulling down several towering marks at centre-half forward.
David Blyth showed why the Jets coaching staff think he will become a top-line ruckmen in Sydney football, and Justin Tilson confirmed his leadership abilities.
Nineteen-year-old recruit Rob Philp, recently moved down from the unlikely AFL nursery of Mackay, came off the bench to show plenty of dash and poise, and to prove he will become a valuable senior player.
Despite these efforts, the experienced opposition proved too slick.
Best players: Andrew Spring, David Wilson, Nathan Holland, Mick Earl, Clint Gardner, Jim Lavery.
Goal kickers: Fraser Thomson 3, Greg Wilson 1, Mat Blackborough 1, David Blyth 1.
Score: UNSW/ES Bulldogs 25.12.134 def Nor-West Jets 6.7.43
Last Modified on 27/11/2010 15:47
