After three wins on the trot, the Jets faced a stern test on Saturday when they clashed with Randwick City Saints at Malabar. With a swirling breeze roaring off the ocean flank, conditions were tough and it was the home side that took full advantage, as they slammed on 8 goals, making the Jets appear listless.
The Saints featured heavily in off season recruiting, with an exodus from Balmain heading down Anzac Pde, and it showed early as the skill level put Nor-West to shame, as turnovers proved costly. The Jets could only manage 2 goals in the first term, and the slow start was hurting. Steve Davidson was sent to the defensive 50 to play loose and curbed the damage somewhat with his fearless attack on ball and opponent, while Kyle Clarke and young gun Ethon Coombs battled hard in the centre. The Saints poured on another 5 goals to the Jets 3 to take a commanding 68 point lead to the break, and with Nor-West losing Finley’s finest midfielder Josh Patterson to a knee injury, things were looking grim.
In a sign of the untapped potential of the young Jets team, they took Randwick by the scruff of the neck in a fiery second half. The home side didn’t enjoy the physicality that Nor-West brought out of the sheds after half time, with yellow cards being produced and a late hit taking Jake Carpenter out of the game, but the Jets toiled and kicked 4 to the Saints 3 to peg back the deficit. Seb Goldrick and Michael Botham were providing great drive through the back half of the ground, but it was club veteran Steve Chase that stood tallest, the Jets oldest player turning back the clock in an inspiring performance with a savage display as he tagged one of Randwick’s biggest and best into submission, while adding a career high 3 goals. The Jets continued their strong run in the last, kicking 4 and keeping Randwick goalless, but again it was the first term that proved the difference, as the Jets fell to the Saints, 16.19-115 to 13.6-84.
Goals S Chase 3, S Tibben 3, P Webster 2, M Schwager, J Carpenter, M Gray, D Cruz, D Clinch.
Best Players – S Davidson, S Chase, K Clarke, E Coombs, M Botham, S Goldrick.
NOR-WEST JETS
Last Modified on 19/06/2013 17:51
