Ipswich team stretched to limit before securing Cup victory

The latest game demanded even more with Ipswich being stretched to the limit and still winning. See what happened.

Ben White scored a timely double for the Ipswich Jets in their second win of the season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

JETS coach Keiron Lander praised his team’s “exceptional’’ defence and tenacity after securing one of the most richly deserved Ipswich rugby league victories in many years.

Taming the Tigers 32-20 in Brisbane on Saturday rewarded weeks of Jets hard work in the Intrust Super Cup competition.

However, the latest game demanded even more with Ipswich being stretched to the limit and still winning.

Second rower Zac Hetherington needed a HIA before halftime after landing heavily on the ground.

Tyler Coburn injured his shoulder and Richie Pandia hurt his ankle also in the first period of play.

“One of the highlights and something that goes unnoticed was we were down to one bloke on the bench,’’ Lander said.

“That was an exceptional effort. It just showed us working hard together.

“I believe at the start of the year, we wouldn’t have been able to do that. Teams would have put big points on us and (now) we put points on them with only one reserve left at the end of the game.

“I’m very proud of the effort.’’

The return of captain Nate Neale, after eight weeks out with a facial injury, helped inspire Ipswich’s second victory of the season.

“Words can’t describe his effort,’’ Lander said.

“He played 80 minutes and he’s just one of those blokes that would have gave our boys a lot of confidence that we need.’’

After conceding late first half points in some previous games, the Jets held the Tigers to 6-6 at halftime.

“It’s been building over the last few weeks,’’ Lander said of his team’s improved defensive commitment.

“The blokes working hard for each other.’’

In the second half, the Jets trailed 20-12 before showing what they can do with the football.

Second rower Ben White scored a second half double with another forward Blake Lenehan also proving how hard he is to stop making angled runs close to the tryline.

Lander said moving White from the centres into the forwards allowed him to use his experience to control tackles and be in scoring positions.

“He’s a wonderful footballer,’’ the coach said.

Jets speedsters Ratu Jope Rotavisoro and returning right centre Jordan Carriera did the damage finishing out wide.

Ipswich Jets playmaker Josh Cleeland scored this 200th point for the club in his team’s 32-20 win over the Tigers. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Playmaker Josh Cleeland landed four conversions and two penalty goals to score his 200th point for the club and keep Ipswich’s momentum going.

“He gets better each week Josh,’’ Lander said. “I thought him and (centre) Jayden Connors played an important role.

“They’re playing with niggles all year and sometimes it’s hard to get consistency when you’re injured.’’

Lander said the second half surge was pleasing and a credit to his team’s commitment.

“We just stuck to what we do well,’’ he said.

“When you are working hard and it’s not getting there, it can be heartfelt and disappointing at times.

“But it was a good win and the boys can look to get back to training and get on to the next opportunity.’’

That is preparing for Ipswich’s trip to Quilpie to play the Dolphins next Saturday.