The young Jets headed south last week to take on top of the ladder Southern Power and after only going down by 4 points in their previous encounter the Jets were keen to reverse the ledger. Unlike the first time these teams meet this game was based on defence in a low scoring hit out with only 2 goals between the sides scored until halftime. The 3rd qtr saw the Jets restrict the Power to a single behind while the visitors kicked the only goal for the qtr to see themselves down by 2 points at the final break. Unfortunately for the under maned Jets they could not quite get up in the last qtr but with their controlled aggression at the football have proved twice this year that they can compete with the ladder leaders. In an encouraging sign for the future
Liam Veigel & Levi Tynan both from the u16’s played up and showed they could match it with their older counterparts.
Nor-west 2.6.18 def by
Southern Power 4.3.27
Goal Kickers: M. Sieders 2
Best Players: B. Johnston, L. Veigel, J. Cass, E. Coombs, J. Coull, L. Tynan
The Nor-West Jets headed to the leafy surrounds of Macquarie Uni on Saturday to take on the Warriors in a must win game to keep their finals hopes alive. Sitting a win and small percentage behind Manly (5th), nothing short of the 4 points would do, and the Jets knew this. In the first leg at Bensons in Round 6, Nor-West led by nearly 10 goals before letting the Warriors dictate play for the 2nd half and almost snatch a win. With some handy inclusions in Grant Hoffmann, Daniel Graham and Senior Coach and Mac Uni legend Don Ollington into the reserves squad, the Jets had a balanced mix to get the job done.
Mac Uni had their own ideas though, and with Sydney footy stalwarts such as Carter Mullins, 400 gamer Scott Uglow and Phil Hare taking the field, it was the home team that took the initiative early, slamming on 2 goals before the Jets could react. Matt Brophy and Mat Laurence were holding the back 6 together, containing the dangerous Warrior forwards, while Dan Graham was in fine form after spending the last 2 months in Seniors, nailing a huge goal from the 50 metre line to get the Jets on the board. The Warriors held a 13 point lead at the first break, and were asked the question of whether they wanted an early holiday in August, or wanted to play finals for the first time since 2009. The Jets clicked into gear, led by Brendan Seidel, in his 2nd game and 2nd best on ground effort in as many weeks, as they lifted their game and added 5 goals to nil in the second term, with Scott Braid looking busy up front in his second game back from a shoulder injury. Kev Conroy and Pete Richardson were playing strong games through the middle, and Steve Steaszek showed his team mates and the Warriors how to contest the hard ball, with a huge head clash resulting in plenty of blood and some on the spot repairs from our valued physio Kirsten, to take his place back on the field within 5 minutes. It was goal for goal in the third, and the Jets held a slender 10 point lead going into the last term.
The last quarter proved a dour slog, with only the Warriors bothering the two flag wave, while the Jets peppered the goals with 6 behinds, a couple coming from the dangerous right foot of Ollington, and in a tense finish for all involved, the Jets claimed the win by 8 points. The Jets then headed up to the adjacent Jim Campbell Oval to watch a thrilling win to Hawkesbury Valley 1st grade over the Warriors in a loud showing of local sporting support. Congrats to the Valley boys, well played!
Nor-west 10.13.73 def
Macquarie Uni 9.11.65
Goal Kickers: D. Graham 3, S. Braid 2, B. Seidel 2, J. Bray , G. Hoffmann , D. Ollington
Best Players: B. Seidel, M. Laurence, D. Ollington, M. Brophy, S. Steaszek, K. Conroy
The Seniors returned to Henson Park for the 2nd week in a row looking to make up for their defeat there a week ago at the hands of the St George Dragons, but in their way stood the Balmain Dockers who were sitting second on the ladder. The Jets welcomed Peter Kyle & Brendan Seidel in for their first Senior games this season and it was a quiet change rooms before the game but the Jets sprung to life as soon as they hit the ground and produced one of their best 1st qtrs. of the season. The scores were tied up at qtr time but with Ryan Johnston getting good early touches & Tom Roberts finding the ball early the Jets were feeling confidant. The 2nd qtr saw the Jets lose their way a bit and if not for the efforts from Brad Pond & James Moynihan down back the Jets could have been starring down more than a 9 point deficit at the main break.
After reassessing their game at halftime the Jets got back to their first qtr determination & effort and with experienced duo Ash Condon & Andrew Travers starting to assert some dominance and Brent Jonhston’s repeat efforts the good gathering of Jets supporters who had made the journey saw the scores all tied up at 3 qtr time. With Matthew Smith continuing to get first touch in the middle the run of Stuart Tibben and inside 50 marking of Josh Howe was causing the Dockers problems and when youngster Ethon Coombes was mobbed by his team mates after kicking a crucial goal the Jets had momentum and if not for some inaccurate kicking after dominating the last qtr the margin could have been greater than 27 points
Nor-west 12.18.90 def
Balmain 9.9.63
Goal Kickers: J. Howe 4, E. Coombs , D. Linnett , P. Webster , P. Sherwood , P. Kyle , B. Pond , M. Smith , R. Johnston
Best Players: R. Johnston, M. Smith, J. Moynihan, T. Roberts, S. Tibben, B. Pond
Last Modified on 31/05/2013 08:04
