A MAGICAL eight-goal display from Nor-West captain Jake Berry spearheaded the Jets to a thrilling 14-point win over Moorebank to lift the team into the AFL Sydney top five for the first time this season at Rosedale Oval on Saturday.
Berry was unstoppable as he marked everything that came his way in a virtuoso performance as the Jets came from behind in the second term to record a crucial third victory of the season, winning 12.7 79 to 10.5 65.
Moorebank went into the match on a high, coming off a 67-point thrashing of St George, the team that had beaten the Jets by 24 points the week before, and the Magpies looked like continuing that form as they flew out of the blocks with five of the first six goals to lead by 23 points late in the first term.
After being asked for a big effort by coach Garry Bull, the Nor-West defence stepped up to the plate in the second term, holding Moorebank goalless and setting up plenty of dash from rebounding defenders Aaron Bayne and Ben Cain.
Berry took full advantage at the other end as the Jets kicked four goals of their own to lead by eight points at the main break and it seemed the tide had turned.
The Jets were missing up to eight first choice senior players, but played with the vigour and determination missing in the early rounds, with the match becoming a high standard contest with possession quickly moving from end to end, and the Magpies kicked four goals to three to square the scores at the final break.
But with the defence again standing tall, and star midfielders Brendan Cameron, Josh Cass and Stephen Davidson taking control, Nor-West kicked three goals to one in the final term for a vital win ahead of this week’s rematch with undefeated ladder leader Sydney University at St Pauls.
Josh Howe finished with two goals in a solid support role, but it was Berry who proved the difference between the teams after missing last week’s win over Manly-Warringah.
NOR-WEST 2.2 6.5 9.5 12.7 79
MOOREBANK 5.1 5.3 9.5 10.5 65
NWJ Goals: J Berry 8, J Howe 2, J Williams, S Tibben.
NWJ Best: A Bayne, J Berry, B Cain, B Cameron, J Cass, S Davidson.
WITH so many players missing from the senior team, it was the reserves who were affected by player unavailability, only being able to call on 21 players for the game.
And it took its toll despite a brave effort from start to finish, with the bigger, fitter Magpies running out 33-point winners, 13.10 88 to 8.7 55.
The Jets started well, with the backline turning in a huge effort to repel countless Moorebank attacks as Matt Davidson took mark after mark across half back and Chris Collins and Tony Joyce proved also near impassable.
However, when Moorebank stepped up its attack in the second term, the Jets made a few crucial mistakes and the home team capitalised to break 22 points clear at half time.
The horse had bolted, and despite huge efforts from veteran star Stephen Chase, Aaron Skinner, Adam Scott, Jesse Bray, Peter Richardson and ruckman Luke Bell across the middle and Daniel Graham (four goals), senior coach Bull (three goals) and Scott Braid up forward, there was no coming back.
The Jets slipped back to seventh with the defeat and will be desperate to the return to the winner’s list against bottom team Auburn at Mona Park this week.
NOR-WEST 2.2 3.6 5.6 8.7 55
MOOREBANK 2.2 7.4 11.5 13.10 88
NWJ Goals: D Graham 4, G Bull 3, S Braid.
NWJ Best: S Chase, M Davidson, J Bray, S Braid, C Collins, L Bell.
*** Less than 30 tickets remain for the Hawkesbury AFC-Richmond Club corporate raceday at the Hawkesbury Racecourse on Monday, June 13 – visit www.nwjets.sydneyafl.com.au for more information.
Last Modified on 06/06/2011 15:15
