FLEET-footed fullback Javarn White rated it one of his most satisfying wins at the Jets.
Loyal Ipswich co-coach Shane Walker praised his team’s tenacity and self-belief.
Jubilant fans outside the Jets dressing room agreed, declaring: “How good was that!”
The excited scenes at the North Ipswich Reserve came after the determined Jets produced one of their finest second half comebacks in the club’s rugby league history.
The Jets ended Northern Pride’s unbeaten run in this year’s Queensland Cup competition with a magnificent 24-18 victory on Saturday night.
What was most satisfying for players like speedster White and proud co-coach Walker was the way the Jets fought back from 18-6 down at halftime to hold Pride scoreless.
After showing their intent by winning the football back from the second half restart, the Jets upped the tempo and pinned Pride in their own quarter.
“That’s what we planned to do,” White said.
“In there (the dressing room) we stayed quiet. We knew what we had to do.”
White said executing so well against the competition heavyweights was a highlight in his three years at the Jets.
“Mate, that was a gutsy win,” the Jets fullback said after scoring one of the best tries of the match.
“They (Pride) are a good side.
“I’m happy with that and the boys are all happy.”
With his team trailing 18-8 after a Wes Conlon penalty, White produced a superb piece of individual brilliance to weave, dodge and duck his way to the tryline.
It started with a clean break up the middle and finished with the Jets closing the gap to 18-14 after Conlon’s conversion.
The ever-dangerous Brendon Marshall soon after crossed for his second try to level the scores with 18 minutes left.
That set the stage for powerhouse performer Sam Martin. He made a powerful break down the left side to put his team in front.
The Jets repelled Northern Pride for the final seven minutes to complete a terrific victory.
“All we do is keep turning up every week,” White said.
“We don’t have a big side but we never give up.”
The stunning win lifted Ipswich into third spot. The important win came after a bye, following a Jets’ victory over another monster scalp – the PNG Hunters.
“There’s a hell of a lot of belief in our team,” Walker said, in his fourth year as Jets co-coach with brother Ben.
“Everyone knows their role, knows their job and just believes in one another.”
Ipswich’s fifth hard-fought Queensland Cup win of the season came after the club’s Colts broke through for their first victory of the season.
The Jet Colts also came from behind to beat Toowoomba Clydesdales 40-36 – see story Page 13.
However, it was the Jets top side that put the icing on the cake in an afternoon of spirited Ipswich football to remember.
The Jets’ next Queensland Cup game is against Redcliffe at Dolphin Oval on Sunday afternoon.
State of play
Queensland Cup Round 8: Ipswich Jets 24 (Brendon Marshall 2, Javarn White, Sam Martin tries; Wes Conlon 4 goals) def Northern Pride 18 (Jason Roos, Ethan Lowe, Cameron King tries; Shaun Nona 3 goals) at North Ipswich Reserve. Jets move into outright third heading into their next game on Sunday away to Redcliffe.
FOGS Colts: Ipswich Jets 40 (Sam Lavea 2, Lotufou Muliaga, Carlin Anderson, Daniel Jennings, Landon Hayes, Tepatasi Fuiavailili tries; Carlin Anderson 6 goals) def Toowoomba Clydesdales 36 (Brook Croft 2, Zac Morris 2, Trent Baker, Nicholas Sargent, Lachlan Lee tries; Jarrod Lee 4 goals) at North Ipswich Reserve.
Article Courtesy of the QT.