Jets rise in early form surge
Download the Cyril Connell / Mal Meninga Cup round 3 teams
THE Ipswich Jets have taken just one game to stamp themselves as a contender for this year’s Cyril Connell Cup play-offs after hammering Wynnum Manly Seagulls 62-4 at the North Ipswich Reserve last Saturday.
After a bye in Round 1, the Jets sizzled into action on a hot day in Ipswich, shooting to the top of the Pool A competition standings in one swoop.
Fullback Lorenzo Mulitalo crossed for a hat-trick of tries for the Jets, while centre Sagalimu Vaitai and hooker Luke Rose posted doubles for the home team.
Ipswich’s attack was impressive throughout, but it was their effort in defence that would have pleased coach Todd Riggs.
Wynnum Manly could only cross the try-line on one occasion, courtesy of fullback James Price.
The Jets are back at the North Ipswich Reserve this weekend for a Round 3 match up against the Redcliffe Dolphins, who encountered trouble against a rampant Gold Coast Green last weekend.
Green players Todd Somers, Jordan Best and Luke Mastroianni scored six tries between them in the Gold Coast team’s comprehensive 44-16 win over the Dolphins.
In the other Under 16 Connell Cup matches last weekend, Souths Logan Magpies beat Victoria 36-24, Sunshine Coast edged out Mackay Cutters 10-4, Townsville Stingers beat the Toowoomba Clydesdales 32-26, Easts Tigers defeated Norths Devils 40-16 and Northern Pride were 32-20 winners over CQ Capras.
Centre Damien Burke scored three tries for the Pride in the win over the Capras at Browne Park.
Last year’s champions the Northern Pride sit in fifth spot in Pool B, but remain just two competition points from joint leaders the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Townsville Stingers.
In the Meninga Cup, three teams are setting the pace in both Pool A and Pool B.
Pool A leaders are Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Easts Tigers and Gold Coast White – all on four competition points.
Sunshine Coast Falcons, Townsville Stingers and CQ Capras head Pool B with two wins each as well.
The Falcons have conceded just 10 points in the opening two weeks, with last Saturday’s 26-4 win over the Mackay Cutters coming after their big win over the Central Crows.
Souths Logan Magpies chalked up the biggest score in Round 2, posting 11 tries on their way to a 60-10 win over the Victorian Rugby League at Logan Brothers.
Justin Fai, Tommy Sa’u and Sharmah Schmidt were the multiple try-scorers for the Magpies, who have the bye this weekend.
