The Burleigh Bears have delivered a stunning performance to hammer the Ipswich Jets 50-12 at North Ipswich Reserve.
The Jets, who have been a fixture near the top of the ladder all season, had no answer for the Bears who piled on nine tries to two in the rout.
The game was won during an incredible period between the seventh and 27th minutes. The Bears completed 15 consecutive sets, scored six tries and didn’t let Ipswich touch the ball once.
“I think they’re getting confidence in themselves and the way we’re trying to play and I think they believe in that now,” Bears coach Jimmy Lenihan said.
“Once you have a real belief in the way you’re trying to play I think it’s easier to really put your effort behind it and play well. I think the boys are really enjoying themselves at the moment.”
The first half was some of the most dominant football the Bears have played in years as Anthony Don scored a hat-trick, Ryley Jacks scored a double and Henare Wells also crossed for a 32-0 lead at the break.
In past weeks the Bears have started well only to falter in patches during the second half, but this week the Bears went on with the job and put Ipswich away.
Second half tries to Kyle McConnell, Dimitri Pelo and a second for Wells saw the Bears crack the half century, while a second half double to Wes Conlon saved some face for the home side.
With consecutive wins the Bears have now moved to within two wins of the top five, but Lenihan isn’t getting carried away.
“I think we’re steadily improving as a team and it shows that we’re heading in the right direction, but it means nothing if we don’t go on with it,” he said.
“I think we don’t have to look too far back into our season to see where we’ve come from and where we don’t want to be.
“It’s important that we maintain that winning feeling and just go out there not so much focusing on the outcome of the game but focusing on what we want to get right and generally everything looks after itself after that.”
Lenihan said a change in attitude from within his playing group over recent weeks has started to pay dividends on the scoreboard.
“I think the boys are taking ownership of themselves and their own performances,” he said.
“They’re really taking it upon themselves to do the best they can. They’re looking at each other and correcting themselves. They’re not just looking to the coaching staff for direction, they’re very critical of themselves.
“Sometimes when you’re doing it for each other more so than being told to do it by others you’re more likely to do a better job of it.”
Earlier in the day the FOGS Colts continued their winning ways with a 48-10 win to further cement themselves on top of the ladder.
Next Sunday the Bears return to Pizzey Park to host the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
BURLEIGH BEARS 50 (Anthony Don 3, Henare Wells 2, Ryley Jacks 2, Dimitri Pelo, Kyle McConnell tries; Khan Ahwang 7 goals) def IPSWICH JETS 12 (Wes Conlon 2 tries; Dane Phillips, Wes Conlon goals) at North Ipswich Reserve.
Final teams
Ipswich Jets: 1. Javarn White 2. Kurt Capewell 3. Nemani Valekapa 4. Brendon Marshall 5. Carlin Anderson 6. Josh Cleeland 7. Dane Phillips 8. Kurtis Lingwoodock 9. Troy O'Sullivan 10. Rod Griffin 11. Josh Seage 12. Sam Martin 21. Billy McConnachie 14. Tariki Peneha 18. Marmin Barba 19. Wes Conlon 22. Matt Parcell
Burleigh Bears: 1. Henare Wells 2. Khan Ahwang 3. Dimitri Pelo 4. Steve Michaels 5. Anthony Don 6. Conner Toia 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Mark Ioane 9. Nafe Seluini 10. Matt Bell 11. James Dunley 12. Kyle McConnell 13. Darren Griffiths (c) 14. Matt Beddow 15. Siuatonga Likiliki 16. Chris Kitching 18. Louis Fanene
