THE injury-hit Ipswich Jets snapped a two match losing streak yesterday by claiming the high-profile scalp of Intrust Super Cup leaders the Northern Pride.
Ipswich finished the round six match with just one fit reserve on the bench, but somehow conjured enough energy to topple the Pride 22-20 in an engrossing tussle at the North Ipswich Reserve.
Talented Ipswich brothers Sam and Matt Parcell, along with captain Keiron Lander, were all forced from the field in the second half as the Jets stocks were stretched thin.
Sams injury was of the most concern for Jets medical staff, with the young utility likely to require knee surgery that will end his season.
However, the sound of the full-time siren and the spoils of a gritty victory put the cheer back on the faces of those involved in the Jets camp.
Ipswich did well to repel a surging Northern Pride outfit in an entertaining second half, which saw the visiting team hit the front 20-16 after 60 minutes.
The Pride had rocketed into the lead following quick-fire tries to Ricky Thorby and Davin Crampton and appeared on course for a fifth win of the season.
However, the Jets made the most of a golden attacking opportunity following a mistake from the Pride when Ian Lacey delivered a sweet pass to Kurtis Lingwoodock on the left edge.
Lingwoodock surged over the line and Donald Malones successful conversion put the Jets in front by two.
From that point on the Jets held firm to deny the Pride.
Cowboys playmaker Ray Thompson had some threatening touches for the Pride but it just didnt quite click for Jason Demetrious team.
On occasions when it did come together, the Pride looked virtually unstoppable.
Their precision around the ruck led to the second-half tries from Thorby and Crampton.
Crampton also had a hand in the Prides first try of the second half, when his line break in the opening set of six put his team deep on the attack.
The ball was spread quickly to the right where speedy winger Wayne Ulugia finished the move with a neat piece of footwork close to the line.
Ethan Lowe missed the conversion, allowing the Jets to stay in front 10-8.
The Pride then lifted their intensity in defence and had the Jets on the back foot until they spread the ball to the right to finally get out of their own half.
A Dane Phillips bomb hit the ground and bounced towards Malone, who drew the last line of defence to set Sam Martin on his way to the try-line.
Malones successful conversion handed the Jets a vital eight point buffer.
Malone also played a significant role in the first half.
The former Cowboy and 2012 Queensland Residents representative gave the Jets a much needed lift on the stroke of half-time when he scored a stunning try that gave the home team a 10-4 lead at the break.
IPSWICH JETS 22 (Donald Malone, Sam Martin, Keiron Lander, Kurtis Lingwoodock tries; Donald Malone 3 goals) def NORTHERN PRIDE 20 (Wayne Ulugia, Ricky Thorby, Ethan Lowe, Davin Crampton tries; Ethan Lowe 2 goals) at North Ipswich Reserve.
