Coach Lacey learns alongside his Jets
IPSWICH Jets coach Ian Lacey was delighted to get FOGS Cup momentum back; with his team’s 36-0 win against Carina Tigers providing an ideal springboard for their crucial showdown with Easts Tigers.
Lacey said it was an important win and a reward for his side coming through a challenging run of FOGS Cup matches.
“It was pleasing to keep Carina to zero, we were under the pump at times so definitely it’s a good result after a few tough weeks,” he said.
“We’ve been a little down with our confidence and luck so this will help us.”
Scott Ireland scored twice and his positional shift to fullback paid dividends.
“Scott’s one of our more experienced players and it’s important for him to get his hands on the ball,” he said.
“He did a good job at fullback, he supported the ball-runners well and ran it back strongly.”
The win keeps Ipswich in touch with the top teams in what has become a narrow table and Lacey knows his side need to build on this against Easts in another grand final rematch.
“It’s a big game, they’re the premiers and the table is very tight,” he said.
“We need to secure points now, but if we work hard and focus on our own backyard we’ll be okay.”
Lacey had a distinguished playing career and said he’s already learnt a lot in his first year as a coach.
“As a coach you have to wear a lot of hats, you need to have a different mentality and help the players’ psychology,” he said.
“As a player you see things and can directly action them, but as a coach all you can do is guide and translate.”
Lacey’s side has progressed throughout the season and their promising coach said it’s a similar process for himself.
“I’m still learning as a coach, I make some mistakes, but I try not to make the same ones,” he said.
“I’m not going to be the world’s greatest coach in my first 12 months, but I’m always learning and very happy doing this.”
In other FOGS Cup matches, Easts got an important 24-16 victory against Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Redcliffe Dolphins defeated Norths Devils 18-10.
Round 10 will also see Souths Logan Magpies face Carina and Norths welcome Wynnum, while Redcliffe have the bye.
Meanwhile there’s a new FOGS Colts Challenge ladder leader, with Redcliffe’s 28-22 defeat to Norths resulting in Burleigh Bears taking top spot during their bye week.
The Dolphins had won seven straight, but Nikau Cassidy’s double helped condemn Redcliffe to back-to-back losses.
Tweed Heads Seagulls also capitalised on Redcliffe’s loss, gaining ground with an impressive 40-16 win against Toowoomba Clydesdales.
Souths Logan Magpies also defeated Easts 43-24 while Wynnum Manly overcame Ipswich 42-16.
This week sees Ipswich face Easts, Souths take on Norths, Redcliffe play Sunshine Coast Falcons while Toowoomba host Burleigh.
