IPSWICH snapped a two-match losing streak with a hard-fought 26-16 victory over the Norths Devils on Saturday to put itself in a prime position to seal fifth spot on the Intrust Super Cup ladder.
The 10-point victory provided the Jets (22) with a handy buffer over Wynnum Manly (17) and Mackay Cutters (17) with just three regular season matches remaining.
However, Ipswich co-coaches Shane and Ben Walker weren’t too fussed over the competition standings in the wake of yesterday’s round 19 clash at the North Ipswich Reserve.
The Walkers were more concerned about a mounting injury toll that could threaten Ipswich’s run into the finals.
Queensland Residents forward Lorenzo Maafu (ankle) and tough prop Nat Neale (ribs) failed to complete the match and are unlikely starters against the all-conquering Tweed Heads outfit in next Saturday’s ABC TV clash.
The Jets went into the match with the Devils without injured pair Luke Capewell and Brendan Marshall.
Fortunately for the home team, Donald Malone and Esi Tonga lifted in their absence, with both players scoring crucial second half tries.
Tonga scored his first midway through the second half to put the Jets in front 14-10. Ipswich then stretched its lead to 20-10 when a series of quick passes to the right provided an overlap for Ramon Filipine who did the rest.
Malone put the icing on the cake for the hosts with a strong effort to score a try that was converted by Brendon Lindsay for a 26-10 lead.
A four-pointer on the stroke of fulltime from Keiran English, followed by a Joel Bailey conversion, reduced the final margin to 10 points.
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