In a tougher than expected contest, the Nor-West Jets recorded their third win in as many weeks to consolidate a top five spot on the ladder, shrugging off a determined Macquarie University Warriors to win by 52 points at Bensons Lane.
The Warriors, who welcomed back the Jets former coach Don Ollington into their side, would have been full of confidence going into the match. Ollington, who returned to Mac Uni this year after spending two years with the Jets, witnessed a much different outfit to which he coached to a final series last year. With a good mix of experience, new and young players, the Jets free flowing style of play proved to be the difference in the end.
In what was a see-sawing first half, the Warriors matched the Jets intensity at the contest by opening up an early 2 goal lead. From the half way mark of the first quarter however Nor-West's prolific on-ballers started to get on top. Vice Captain Tom Roberts and Kyle Clarke continued their good form by giving plenty of drive out of the middle, while young star midfielder Ethon Coombs was on fire early, sneaking forward and kicking three first quarter goals. At quarter time the Jets held a 13 point advantage.
In the second quarter the game opened up, with both sides more intent on attack than defence. After the shock mid-week retirement of club stalwart and favourite son Peter Kyle, the Jets newly appointed Captain Paul Webster was again used as a big marking target up forward, while livewire Warriors player Timothy Cameron was proving to be a handful for the Jets defenders kicking 3 first half goals.
At the long break Nor-West had managed to stretch the lead slightly to 16 points, but the game was still anyone's at that stage.
Like previous weeks the Jets came out after half time with renewed vigour, piling on 5 goals to 2 and asserting their authority on the contest. After a tight opening few minutes, an uncharacteristic and errant kick in by Ollington found Jets Co-Coach Michael Gray who dished off to Roberts who intern launched a long bomb from just inside the fifty and goaling to take the lead out to 30 points. From there, Nor-West grew in confidence and began to gain control of the contest. The defence once again were rock solid, with Daniel Guthridge, Stephen Chase and Julian Goonan repelling Mac Uni's attacks at will and when Best on Ground Stephen Davidson was switched to half back, the Warriors were struggling to make any impact on the scoreboard.
Davidson, who enjoyed his best game of the year was devastating running out of defence, using his trademark strength and dash he set up many forward fifty entries, where the likes of Chris Kyle, Connor Moore and Dylan Cruz were finishing off the hard work up the field. By 3/4 time the Jets had opened up seemingly unassailable 39 point lead.
In the last the Jets young leaders powered the side home, with Michael Botham's tireless efforts in the ruck and Aaron Lawes' solid contribution at centre half back. While Stuart Tibben, Harry Stever and Seb Goldrick provided plenty of spark and energy to put the result beyond doubt.
Nor-West, who's second halves this year have often proved to be the difference, once again saw them overcome another opponent by kicking 9.9 to 4.3.
Goal Kickers: P. Webster 4, E. Coombs 3, C. Kyle 3, C. Moore 2, D. Cruz 2, S. Tibben , J. Patterson , J. Carpenter , T. Roberts
Best Players: S. Davidson, T. Roberts, S. Chase, K. Clarke, E. Coombs, J. Goonan
NOR-WEST JETS
Last Modified on 19/06/2013 17:52
