With both teams showing good numbers yet again it was decided that the match would be played under the 12-a-side format, allowing the large number of first year players from both clubs to get more game time. It was great to see all the new faces from OC and RFC on the field at once, with rookies out-numbering established players by a good margin. This is a testament to the two clubs who lead the way in recruiting, blooding and retaining new players in the SCAFL. It is also a testament to the League itself, which continues to grow and provide opportunities for people to play a challenging sport, whether it’s for the first time or the 300th.
The Riverside boys were pumped up and noisy before the start of the game, while the Jets were very calm and low key. But any worries that they were not switched on or maybe taking the game a bit casually – something RFC would have been focusing on – were quickly dispelled when the Jets went to work from the first bounce. Looking like a well oiled machine, the Jets tore apart Riverside’s defense while shutting down their forwards. The result was a 5 goal quarter for the Jets, while RFC couldn’t get on the board.
The Jets defenders were outstanding all day, only allowing Riverside to score 2 goals for the entire match. Robert Alexander was given the job on RFC full forward Grant Williams, who has been in good form of late, kicking 9 goals in the last 3 games. Robbo was told his job was to keep Williams goalless, and that’s exactly what he did. Barely 12 months from his catastrophic ACL tear and subsequent knee reconstruction, it was an impressive performance from Robbo, and he will be the first to tell you so.
Once again the Jets spread the load well, with winners all over the ground. Paul Lima backed up his sensational first up game with one almost as good, the main difference being the raised level of expectation after his breakout debut. Again he combined well with the midfield of Mounce, Wetherall and Nelson to help dominate the clearances and control the midfield area.
Up forward it was all about Zack Caspary, who also backed up his good work from last week with a stellar game coming off half forward. Zack’s crumbing off Full Forward Andy Treanor was textbook, reading the play perfectly and swooping on loose balls left and right. He was well rewarded with 4 goals and a lot of appreciation from his teammates.
At day’s end it was a very good performance from the new look Jets side as they continue to get to know each other and settle into the game plan. The team is improving every week and as the players bond they are getting better in all areas. Their willingness to work for each other, follow a game plan and stick to team rules has them positioned well as they head into the Easter break.
The Jets host round 5 in Ladera on April 11, when they will take on the Sharks in what should be an interesting encounter.
Orange County Jets vs Riverside Football Club
OC Jets: Q1 - 5.4 Q2 - 2.6 Q3 - 4.3 Q4 - 1.3 TOTAL - 12.16.98
RFC: Q1 - 0.0 Q2 - 1.1 Q3 - 0.0 Q4 - 1.1 TOTAL - 2.2.14
Jets goals – Caspary (4), Treanor (3), McNeil (2), Lasser, Wetherall, Mounce (1).
Jets best – Wetherall, Caspary, Alexander, Mounce.
