It took until halfway through the final quarter, but the Western Jets were able to shrug off a persistent Eastern Ranges team to notch their first win for the 2011 season.
With scores all tied up at three-quarter time, the game was up for grabs and it was the Jets who were able to run away winners 16.5 (101) to 11.6 (72) as Toby Prime reports.
The Jets started the game in a strong fashion, taking their chances early in front of goals to establish a 13-point margin at the first break.
The Ranges were their own worst enemy in the opening term, gifting the Jets four goals from free kicks, including one right on the quarter-time siren.
In the second quarter, the Ranges tall forwards Jonathon Patton and Michael Bussey started to create a presence in their forward 50 making the Jets defence become accountable.
The Jets had no answers in their defensive 50 as the pair combined to take strong marks and apply extra pressure to bring the margin back to seven points at the main interval.
The Ranges came out strongly after half-time to kick the first three goals inside five minutes and establish the momentum.
With the challenge being thrown down to the Jets, tall forward Spencer White stood up and matched his rival Patton at the other end of the ground as the two forwards went goal-for-goal.
With both teams having their chances in the opening minutes to establish a lead, it appeared the Ranges would be able to hold sway with the ball entering their forward 50 a number of times.
With the Jets challenged again, the midfield group responded to dominate the centre clearances in the final 10 minutes of the game. The Jets piled on five unanswered goals to seal the game.
The Jets were fearless in taking the game on at all costs as the Ranges defensive structure seemed to fall away at crucial moments.
Coming off a 103-point belting at the hands of Oakleigh last weekend, Ranges coach Darren Bewick will be pleased with his side’s response.
Ranges captain Jonathon Patton was best afield for his side kicking six goals to take his tally for the season to 11 from two games.
While for the winners, Jack Charleston and Courtney Hylton put up strong performances, while Ashlin Brown was a star up forward with five goals.
The Jets will aim for back-to-back win next weekend against powerhouse Geelong Falcons next weekend, while the Ranges take on the Murray Bushrangers.
Last Modified on 04/04/2011 14:13