THE Ipswich Jets kept their slim finals hopes alive with a nail-biting win over Norths Devils. Ranked 12th and 13th going into the contest, Norths took the early lead before the Jets struck back with two second half tries to seal a crucial 16-14 victory. It was the Jets second win in three games since calling on the aid of BRL pair Chris Ash and Mikaere Beattie. Beattie was promoted from the bench to start hooker. Having led the Jets BRL side to an undefeated start to the season, the pair’s form has been no surprise to Ipswich Jets BRL coach Mark Bishop. “It’s our job to prepare these guys for any shot they get at the Intrust Super Cup level,” Bishop said. “Ash has been great leader for us and Beattie is a brilliant kicker so it’s great to see them doing so well at that level.” The return of Liam Capewell to the Jets bench proved a timely one as strike weapon Carlin Anderson was taken from the field with a suspected dislocated jaw. Earlier in Saturday’s game, Anderson converted a penalty kick which would prove the difference at Bishop Park. After a tryless first half, Sebastian Pandia and Jets vice-captain “Huskie” Teutau crossed for a try each within a five minute period. Todd Murphy kept the Devils in the race with a 10-point haul, but his one missed conversion would come back to haunt the Norths halfback. Haydan Lipp converted a late penalty to put the Jets in front. The Jets BRL and Colts sides also recorded wins of their own. For the second week in a row, Jets speedster Michael Purcell ran in five tries to give the Jets BRL side a 46-6 win over Logan Brothers. Bishop said the impressive haul by the lanky winger from Charleville was especially significant against strong Brisbane oppositions. “It’s very unusual at that kind of level,” Bishop said. “He’s just always in the right place at the right time. “He’s got a very good leap and because he is so fast he can get there in a flash. We just let him get out there and do what he wants.” Despite missing BRL captain Ash and goal-kicking ace Beattie, who have been called up to the Intrust Super Cup squad, the Reserve grade team have remained undefeated for nine rounds. “We’ve been lucky because a lot of the boys have been there since last year,” Bishop said. “The more senior boys have stepped up and are making sure we stick to what works. At the moment we are throwing our best foot forward and everyone is fighting for their spots in the team.” The Jets Colts survived a late surge by the Norths juniors to run away with a 36-34 win.
