Jets Colts claim maiden scalp in high-scoring match
IT was a memorable weekend for Ipswich Jets in the FOGS Colts Challenge, with the side claiming their first season win in a thrilling 40-36 victory over Toowoomba Clydesdales at North Ipswich Reserve.
Toowoomba had entered the game confident on the back of a win over Norths Devils, but their momentum wasn’t enough to deny coach Brendon Lindsay’s outfit the two competition points.
It was an end-to-end contest with both teams scoring seven tries apiece and repeatedly exchanging leads, but Carlin Anderson’s six conversions proved the difference and in turn gave the Jets new hope of turning their season around.
Front-rower Sam Lavea was perhaps an unlikely try-scoring hero for Ipswich, his two four-pointers a highlight and a reward for a hard-hitting effort.
Lindsay told the Queensland Times after the game the Jets’ win was crucial; both for confidence and the players’ football education.
"We've been pretty close, we've let a few wins slip, but it's all character building and it was good to see today the boys hung in there and got one back,” he said.
“It's just teaching them that winning habit.”
The Jets will now be looking to take this self-belief into their clash with Burleigh at Pizzey Park in what shapes as an intriguing encounter.
The Bears are currently sitting third and impressively defeated Easts Tigers 38-12 away at Langlands Park on the weekend.
Burleigh fullback Hayden Butler’s two-try effort was matched by hooker Carne Rhodes and both players loom as key attacking weapons for coach Robert Campbell’s side.
Meanwhile in other Round 8 results; Sunshine Coast Falcons pushed league-leaders Redcliffe Dolphins all the way before falling to a 16-6 loss at Stockland Stadium and Norths Devils and Souths Logan Magpies shared the points in a 20-20 draw at Bishop Park.
This weekend’s other Round 9 fixtures see Wynnum host Norths, Tweed Heads face Easts and Souths head to Toowoomba to play the Clydesdales at Gold Park.
In FOGS Cup action, Redcliffe maintained their unbeaten season start with a tight 28-22 win over Easts, Wynnum proved too strong for Carina Tigers with a 38-10 victory whilst Norths defeated Souths 40-20 at Bishop Park, with the Devils’ Eli Wickham scoring four tries.
This weekend sees second-placed Wynnum face third-placed Norths, whilst Ipswich travel to Redcliffe and Carina host Souths.
