Jets dive-bomb Dolphins

The Redcliffe Pepsi Dolphins were disappointing six point losers today much to the delight of local supporters at Bendigo Bank Oval, Ipswich. The unexpected loss propelled the Dolphins down from 1st to equal 4th place.

Ipswich started positively with tries in the 6th and 9th minutes to lead 10 ? 0. A try to Phil Shilvock in the 18th minute got Redcliffe back within six points before Ipswich stunned the Redcliffe faithful with tries to half Paul Cohen and lock and captain Danny Coburn to lead 22 ? 4.

Brian Jellick stamped his authority on the game scoring two electric tries before half time to bring the score back to 22 ? 16 in the Jets? favour. Redcliffe supporters remained confident despite the lackluster first half performance.

Jellick scored his third try to bring Redcliffe within two points in the 45th minute and when they hit the front 5 minutes later it seemed Ipswich would succumb to the competition leaders. It was not to be. The Jets turned in a wonderful display of determined football, scoring a converted try and penalty goal to grind out only their 4th win of the season.

Redcliffe made too many mistakes with the ball and missed Troy Lindsay?s sting in defense. Phil Shilvock tried hard all day as did Ben Jones. Roberts and Perry seemed to have a quiet day and overall it was a worrying performance with the semi finals so close. Brian Jellick though, continued his purple patch of late.

Next weeks game in Rockhampton is a crunch match and failure to secure victory could even see the Dolphins surrendering their place in the top five.

Ipswich 30 (Cohen 2, Matai, Lindsay, Coburn tries; Lindsay 5 goals) def Redcliffe 24 (Jellick 3, Shilvock, Leis tries; Richters 2 goals)

In A Grade Redcliffe laid on three tries in the first ten minutes of the 2nd half after trailing 20 ? 12 at the break. Coach Bertie Campbell reportedly gave one of his famous half time rev ups which had the paint peeling off the dressing shed walls. This was enough to see them winners 30 ? 26 in a scrappy game. Travis Falls and Richard Forster dominated in the forwards.

In Colts Redcliffe?s semi final hopes were dashed in a 34 ? 24 loss. Coach Grant Cleal summed up the performance succinctly by hurtling a bin out of the dressing sheds in disgust. Redcliffe threw away a 16 ? 4 half time lead and now nothing short of a miracle will see them take part in the finals.