Ipswich Jets v Central Comets

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

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

Jets Down Comets, Now For Gauntlet
Sun July 22, 2007
Source: www.qrl.com.au

The rags-to-riches tale of the Ipswich Jets hinges on the next three weeks, with Kevin Walters' men set to face North Queensland, Redcliffe and Aspley in succession.

Ipswich's run at the gauntlet comes after a scrappy 24-10 win against the Central Comets at QLD Group Stadium on Saturday.

Wooden spooners last year and slow starters this year, the Jets are amazingly looking to climb to second next week with a victory against the Young Guns.

By the same token however, a run of losses to three of the competition's toughest teams could send the Jets tumbling as low as seventh and out of finals contention altogether.

As if the situation is not daunting enough, Ipswich is likely to be without pivotal playmakers Ricky Bird and Josh Costello for their upcoming matches.

Bird (hamstring) did not suit up at all on the weekend, while Costello lasted just 10 minutes of the contest due to a recurrence of the hand injury that has dogged him throughout the year.

"Yeah we've possibly lost Josh for a month and Ricky is still a few games away. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks," Walters offered.

"Actually the players are all looking forward to the games ahead of us, as are the coaches. It's a challenge for us.

"We'll sort our season out one way or another. There'll be no second guessing after we've played these teams."

Against the Comets Walters used Steve West as the stand-in halfback, with the popular clubman again showing his versatility.

While happy to gain a victory over the visitors from Capricornia, there were worrying signs with the team's ball control and cohesion.

With a bye the previous round and City Country weekend in late June, the Jets had only played twice in a month, a factor Walters pinpointed.

"We had a lot of problems with our handling," he assessed.

"There was a bit of spilled ball from both teams, but we were the main offenders really.

"When you lose your halfback and you've only had two games in a month that can happen."

Ipswich led the Comets 12-4 at halftime and 20-4 until late in the game, with fiery prop Aaron Sweeney again playing well against his former club.

Donald Malone continued his rich vein of form, while Joel Reithmuller scored a sensational try set up by captain Danny Coburn. Playing his first home game since passing the 200-match mark, Coburn was feted before the game and presented his jersey by Mayor Paul Pisasale.

Next Saturday the Jets kick-off their run to the finals with a 4.30pm match against North Queensland at Wests Mackay. Central has the bye in Round 19.

IPSWICH 24 (Donald Malone, Jason Bulgarelli, Todd Riggs, Joel Reithmuller tries; Donald Malone 3, Josh Costello goals) d CENTRAL 10 (Junior Auru, Tyron Haynes tries; Nathaniel Bowman goal) at QLD Group Stadium.

Report sent by: www.qrl.com.au

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