QCup Rd 19 Sunshine Coast 14 Ipswich 32

by NRL

Jets withstood a stirring second-half comeback from the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles to record a crucial 32-14 win in their round 19 Intrust Super Cup match.

While the scoreboard indicated a comfortable win for the Jets, it was anything but as the Sea Eagles threatened to pull off a stunning come-from-behind win in front of their home fans at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Leading 26-4 with 25 minutes remaining, the third-placed Jets were on target for a huge win.

But the energetic Sea Eagles had different ideas, and when young prop Zac Litherland ripped through the middle of Ipswich's pack to score under the sticks, the Sea Eagles were on their way back.

They built even further momentum when winger Kev McKenzie sprinted down the left touch line and threw the ball back on the inside for hooker Troy Mendham, who raced away to score a try that narrowed the Jets' lead to 26-14.

The Sea Eagles then enjoyed a glut of possession, with only some scrambling defence by the visitors on their own goal line preventing the home team from getting within a converted try.

Under heavy pressure, the Jets finally got out of their own half with two minutes remaining, and halfback Ian Lacey seized the opportunity when he darted through a gap to score a try that was converted by Brendon Lindsay for a 32-14 scoreline.

Ipswich Jets skipper Keiron Lander was presented with the Bartercard Cup after the match.

Lander would love to get his hands on more silverware at the end of the season, but for that to happen the Jets will have to prove they can match heavyweights Wynnum Manly, Redcliffe Dolphins and the Norths Devils in the final three rounds.

The Jets would probably have to win at least one of those remaining matches to ensure their position in this year's semi-finals.

Ipswich was again well served by its tireless forward pack yesterday, with the likes of Sam Martin, Rowan Winterfield, Nathaniel Neale and Kurtis Lingwoodock getting through plenty of work in the middle.

Their efforts paved the way for Javarn White, Brendon Marshall, Jarrod McINally and Luke Walker to score the points outwide.

Ipswich led 10-4 at half-time, but only after livewire fullback White crossed in the 39th minute to break the 4-4 deadlock.

Walker's early second-half try from a Lacey kick, followed by a double in quick succession from reliable winger McInally, ultimately won the game for the Jets.

For the Sunshine Coast, towering centre Mitchell Buckett threatened with the few touches he had, while lock forward Brenton Stonier was always a handful in the middle.

The Sea Eagles did taste some success on the day however, defeating the Jets 36-10 in the Colts clash.

IPSWICH JETS 32 (Jarrod McInally 2, Javarn White, Brendon Marshall, Ian Lacey, Luke Walker tries; Brendon Lindsay 4 goals) def SUNSHINE COAST SEA EAGLES 14 (Kev McKenzie, Troy Mendham, Zac Litherland tries; Justin Otto goal) at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

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