IT was a frustrating Sunday afternoon for many Ipswich Jets players of the future with injuries, second half lapses and two teams still winless in state competitions.
However, the club’s Mal Meninga Cup (under 19) men’s side received a massive boost with a 48-0 evening victory over the Western Clydesdales at the North Ipswich Reserve.
It was the Jets team’s first rugby league win in three matches, inspired by try doubles to winger Patrick Krause and captain Bill Fraser, leading the way at prop.
Hooker Harrison Hill, fullback Isaiah Pene, prop Henry Kallquist, winger Melchizedek Nonu and second rower Orlando Levi joined the try fest with halfback Nathan Fraser booting six goals.
The Jets Cyril Connell (under-17) team also displayed incredible spirit after losing three key players to injury.
After earlier wins over the Bulls (32-10) and Falcons (28-18), the Jets were chasing an important victory on home turf.
However, the depleted side lost 18-14, displaying their tenacity when winger Harlem Tamalii scored a superb late try in the corner.
Ipswich Jets under-17 footballers gave their all in a bruising Cyril Connell Cup battle with the Western Clydesdales at the North Ipswich Reserve. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
Head coach Kaine Tessier became emotional talking about his team’s commitment.
“We’ve doubled down on making sure we pick guys with good character,” he said.
“Today I couldn’t be any prouder.
“It’s very tough when you lose a one (fullback Ira Yeatman) a six (five-eight Clement Karauti) and a nine (hooker Peter Uilavai-Pita) at halftime.”
Peter copped some “friendly fire” in a tackle and couldn’t return to the field.
Ira and Clement were also unable to play on.
Halftime was called one minute early after a long delay with two players down hurt at the same time.
With one footballer left to rotate, the Jets were unable to build on their 10-6 lead following tries to prop Tomasi Vaitai and captain Harrison Vidler, playing in the centres.
A number of promising young Jets also had a testing week dealing with Western Ranges and Met West trials.
“We’re only training a couple of days this week to give them a bit of a rest and freshen up for Falcons next week,” Tessier said.
The Jets Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cup sides return to the North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday to tackle the Falcons.
The Ipswich Jets under-19 women were on top of the Clydesdales until a second half lapse. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
The state league club’s Jets under-17 and under-19 women’s sides have plenty to ponder after giving up first half advantages against the Clydesdales.
The under 19 women lost their third game in a row 28-16 after leading 10-8 at the break from tries to hooker Marley Morgan and centre Emily Jackwitz.
The under-17 women went down 26-18 after being ahead 12-4 in the blustery conditions.
Winger Cailey Taylor, lock Ayane Filipine, centre Mieke Moata'ane and interchange player Lupeez Uili scored tries.
Jets under-19 coach Junior Seumanutafa comforts five-eight Shalom Sauaso after being beaten by the Clydesdales. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
Jets Under-19 women’s head coach Junior Seumanutafa has set high standards this season.
“We’re making some progress but we’re just not finishing it off,” Seumanutafa said.
“Just those silly errors that are killing us.”
He expects more from his talented players, working alongside Jets under-17 mentor Peauafi Vakauta.
“We’ve got a lot of potential in this team,” Seumanutafa said.
“But the girls sometimes lack a bit of discipline and a bit of patience.”
The Jets under-19 team had previous losses to the Falcons (14-10) and Bears (34-8) with the younger side going down 44-12 to the Falcons and 48-0 to the Bulls.
The Jets under-19 and under-17 women’s sides continue their progression in round four matches against the Falcons at the Reserve on Saturday.
The Jets under-17 player heads for the tryline in her team’s latest 26-18 loss to the Clydesdales at the North Ipswich Reserve. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
Despite the latest two disappointing results, Goodna junior Seumanutafa sees a terrific pathway being created to the BMD senior state competition where the Jets have a team kicking off in June.
“This is my first year here and Ipswich is doing a great job trying to bring everyone back,” he said.
The Jets men’s state league team open their Hostplus Cup season at the Reserve in Saturday’s late afternoon showdown against the Blackhawks.