Gungahlin Jets vs Eastlake Demons
Jets 18.13-121- Demons 12-10-82
By Cameron Longfield
The Gungahlin Jets have won their first game of the season smashing Eastlake Demons during Heritage Round held at Manuka Oval on Saturday morning. The Jets atoned for their loss against the Demons in round one and showed how much they have imroved in the last couple of weeks. Nathan Belbin was a standout, kicking four major goals for the Jets with Lachlan Harper also having an influential match.
The 9:00am start time meant both teams had to prepare for an earlier start, a completely new ball game. The Jets started the game fast with Nathan Belbin scoring the first goal of the game. The forward pressure was applied by the Jets as the Demons struggled to move the ball fluently. The Jets went to quarter time 6.5-41 to 2.0-12. This first quarter suggested that the Demons struggled with the early start time.
A more even second quarter saw the Demons claw their way back into the match with 2.3 to 2.1 for the term. The Demons tackled and pressed more in the forward half giving them a number of chances, both teams knowing how important the win was to keep their finals hopes on track as well as to launch their seasons.
The Jets once again took control as they stamped their authority over the Demons. Quality handballs by the Jets resulted in good forward plays which led to goals. The Demons continued to make costly errors, creating a 55 point lead for the Jets going into the last change.
The last quarter was a shootout as both teams’ defence became leaky with the game opening up. The Demons won the quarter but when the horn blew the Jets won 18.13-121 to 12.10-82, getting their first win on the board for the season.
It was a great opening game for Heritage Round, the Demons will have to go back to the drawing board after starting the season out so brightly. The Jets have been on the improve ever since their first round loss against the Demons and its looking like their game plan is finally starting to pay dividends for the team.
Around Heritage Round
Queanbeyan Tigers 12.13-85 to Belconnen Magpies 12.15-87: In a close hit out for the rematch of last year’s Grand Final, the Magpies crept up from behind to finally conquer one of their rivals, making slight amends for last year’s Grand Final loss in a thriller. The Tigers’ Josh Bryce had a set shot after the siren to win the match 40 metres out. Slightly to the left of the big sticks, Bryce hit the post in a pulsating conclusion to a stellar match. This was another thrilling contest between these two dominating teams.
Ainslie Tricolours 10.21-81 to Tuggeranong Hawks 4.2-26: The Tricolours have once again dominated keeping their unbeaten record alive for the season in their match against the Hawks. Initially, it was looking like a promising match for the Hawks as they went into quarter time 3.1-19 to 2.4-16, however they only managed to score one more goal for the reminder of the match. Another win for the Tricolours as they continue their march ahead of the chasing pack. The Hawks second loss to the Tricolours this season might suggest they need to make some adjustments to match them in their next bout.
Heritage round was a great day with all games having something different to marvel at. The win for Ainslie cements their spot on top of the ladder, the Jets needed to secure a win and it was an essential triumph for the the Magpies winning against the Tigers, proving they are not haunted from last year’s Grand Final loss.
Nearly one third of the way through the season and there is still plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Round 7:
Ainslie Tricolours vs Gungahlin Jets
Belconnen Magpies vs Tuggeranong Hawks
Queanbeyan Tigers vs Eastlake Demons
Last Modified on 11/05/2016 11:51