Round 9
Redcliffe Dolphins 12 l. Ipswich Jets 14

2007 Wizard Queensland Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Australia > Queensland > State/Metropolitan Level Competition: Wizard Queensland Cup

Walker Dazed As Jets Reach Dizzying Heights
Sun May 13, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Concussion to star player Chris Walker could not dampen the jovial spirit within the Ipswich camp after the Jets soared to their fourth win in a row, beating reigning premier Redcliffe 14-12 on Sunday.

In what was the club's first regular season win at Dolphin Oval since 1993, the Jets responded from 6-4 behind at the end of the first half to break the long-running drought on the peninsula.

The victory was sealed without club debutant Walker, left dazed after completing a hit-up midway through the second half. There was no suggestion of illegality in the play and coach Kevin Walters was happy to deal with it light-heartedly.

"He wasn't too good after the game with his head. He was in la la land for a while there," said Walters.

"But then again, who knows what goes on upstairs with Chris sometimes?

"Seriously though, we're hopeful he'll be right for next week. We've been impressed by his attitude all week and for a guy playing his first game in seven weeks, he was solid without being spectacular."

Walker is scheduled to be with Ipswich for at least two months, having undergone rehabilitation for personal issues that threatened his contract with the Gold Coast Titans.

Whilst his presence in the Jets team made for a media sideshow this week, Walker's teammates continued to prove they are worth taking note of for other reasons. The win against last year's premiers followed victories over North Queensland, Central and Wynnum Manly.

"You might fluke one game here or there, however I think we've proved we're more than just lucky," said Walters.

"We've responded well after a tough start. I'm very proud of the players and they are getting stronger and stronger, gelling better as a group.

"They went to another level with their toughness against Redcliffe. It wasn't glittering, but it was very tough."

Walters nominated unheralded Ben McFadgean and Matt McPhee as among his better players, with club stalwart Danny Coburn and former Brisbane Broncos Michael Ryan also prominent.

After leading at the start of the second stanza, Redcliffe allowed two Jets tries to trail 14-6. However in the shades of fulltime dangerman Nick Emmett plunged over for the Dolphins, leaving to a few anxious moments for the expectant Ipswich squad.

Aiming for five wins on the trot, Ipswich tackles Aspley at North Ipswich Reserve next Saturday at 3pm. Redcliffe travels to Rockhampton to take on Central at 7.30pm the same night at Browne Park.

IPSWICH 14 (Josh Costello 2, Danny Coburn tries; Chris Walker goal) d REDCLIFFE 12 (Ryan Cullen, Nick Emmett tries; Alwyn Simpson 2 goals) at Dolphin Oval.

News sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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