IT WAS described by Ipswich Jets co-coach Ben Walker as “probably as good a win as we’ve ever had”.
The Ipswich Jets beat Redcliffe 22-18 at the North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday to remain second on the Queensland Cup ladder.
Any time you hold out Redcliffe in a tight contest it is a big win.
But to do so with a lop-sided penalty count against you, against a desperate Dolphins team needing a win to stay in touch with the competition leaders, explains why Walker rated it so highly.
“Very pleased,” Walker said.
“We got destroyed by the ref again. We’ve won one penalty count in five years.”
The count was 12-6 against the Jets on Saturday.
There were some other bizarre calls going against them as well, with the referee at one stage seeming to rule a Redcliffe knock-on before changing his mind and ruling play on.
“They had 60 percent of the ball,” Walker said.
“Most teams against quality opposition wouldn’t have won.
“But we defended really well without the ball and when we had opportunities, we took them.
“It was probably as good a win as we’ve ever had, under the circumstances.”
The Jets took the lead when winger Tautalatasi Tasi crossed after 10 minutes but Redcliffe responded with two tries to lead 10-4 after 25 minutes.
The Jets drew level when centre Donald Malone produced a typical piece of ‘Duck’ magic, fending off two defenders from 60m out and racing away to score.
But the visitors took the lead into the half-time break following a long distance try of their own.