The u18s got off to a slow start vs Moorebank on the weekend with the Magpies run and carry showing the young boys what was required on a day when ladder positions were up for grab.
But in a game of Jekyl & Hyde a totally different Jets team came out in the 2nd half and played with a bit of old fashion guts & determination to be back with in 2 goals at ¾ time. After digging themselves a big whole it was a great team effort that saw the u18s restrict Moorebank to only 1 point in the final qtr while kicking 3 goals 4 behinds to run out 8 point winners
Nor-West 6.6.42 def
Moorebank 5.4.34
Goal Kickers: J. Mobbs 2, N. Edwards , B. Johnston , J. Smith , J. Manoel
Best Players: J. Manoel, C. Woods, L. Veigel, N. Edwards, J. Cass, A. Braid
The Nor-West Jets reserves headed across town to Gore Hill Oval, in the shadows of Royal North Shore Hospital, to meet the Bombers, perched just a few % below the Jets on the Div 4 ladder. With key inclusions of the Kyle brothers, the dangerous Scott Braid and the return of key midfielder Daniel Langford, there was promise and plenty to play for in the Jets camp. A win would secure 5th spot for another week, a loss would see Nor-West fall out of finals contention.
The Bombers started the stronger, kicking the first goal to the highway end and showed more urgency, as the Jets played themselves into the contest. Poor accuracy up front by the coach was countered by an incredible snap from the boundary by Chris Kyle for the Jets first, and while the home side peppered the goals only to be repelled by a tight Nor-West back six, ably led by Simon Jay & Brent Moncrieff, the visitors held sway to take a three point lead to the first break.
Leaving the muddy, slippery end of the field proved a godsend for the Jets, as they began to hum through the middle. Man mountain Glenn Stewart was playing a dominant role in the ruck, feeding the hungry midfield of Scott Longman and local kickboxing prodigy Jesse Bray, who sent the ball long with regularity, as the Jets put on 3 goals to 2 for the quarter. Rod Bayne’s strength overhead was a highlight, and the run and carry from defence of Mat Laurence and captain Steve Chase sent headaches through the Shore camp. The 9 point half time margin reflected the tightness of the match, with both teams playing for their season. Langford was breaking lines across the centre, well supported by Pete Richardson and Kev Conroy on half forward.
Nor-West felt confident of a big second half, and the third quarter was an arm wrestle, with each team kicking a goal each, and tempers flared around the ground. The last term could define both teams season.
And define it did, as the Bombers kicked the first goal but inexplicably dropped their heap, with even their supporters joining the tirade of abuse at the umpires, resulting in 2 gift goals that Nor-West took, with added interest, as the Jets put on 4 goals to 2 in a tense finish and took the points back to Bensons with a 16 point victory.
The Jets hold their spot in the 5 and put 1 win and 10% gap on 6th placed Shore.
Nor-West 10.8.68 def
North Shore 6.16.52
Goal Kickers: P. Kyle 4, C. Kyle 2, S. Longman , D. Langford , J. Bray , S. Braid
Best Players: B. Moncrieff, S. Jay, M. Laurence, J. Bray, D. Langford, P. Kyle
The Seniors with a twilight game took on Moorebank away with the side needing to continue winning to keep a finals berth alive. Moorebank got out of the blocks quicker than the Jets but the away side managed to wrestle back momentum to lead at qtr time. In what would set up the game the Jets kicked 6 goals to 1 in the 2nd qtr with Aaron Bayne continuing his good form and Daniel Guthridge starting to run himself back into some form the backline kept the Magpies at bay on the scoreboard and the Jets had a 40 point halftime lead. Chris Ahern was giving the Jets a good focal point up forward and Tom Roberts and Paul Sherwood were raking up possessions through the middle in a 2nd half that saw the Jets gain some valuable percentage and run out 73 point winners.
Nor-West 17.8 110 def
Moorebank 5.7.37
Goal Kickers: C. Ahearn 5, A. Travers 3, M. Gray 3, R. Johnston 2, M. Smith 2 , D. Ollington 2
Best Players: A. Bayne, C. Ahearn, D. Guthridge, T. Roberts, P. Sherwood, R. Johnston
This week the Jets are back at Bensons Lane with the u18s to take on Macquarie Uni who are snapping at their heels on the ladder.
The Reserves play the ladder leading Tigers from Gosford whilst the Seniors also take on the ladder leaders in Div 2 Sydney Uni in what promises to be a big bay of AFL at Bensons Lane
Last Modified on 31/05/2013 08:20
