By ADEM SARICAOGLU
A SEVEN-GOAL burst was the difference between the Western Jets and the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup on Sunday.
The Jets kept up with Sandringham for three-and-a-half quarters at Craigieburn’s Highgate Reserve, but the Dragons managed to kick clear late in the piece to come away with a solid 46-point win.
A low-scoring first half had Sandringham in front by a kick at the main break and as the game broke open in the third stanza, it was the Dragons who managed to convert on the scoreboard.
By three-quarter time the margin was out to 22 but the Jets clawed their way back to peg it down to single figures in the final term.
However, the Dragons’ seven goals to the Jets’ three sealed the result, handing the latter its second loss in as many games.
Jets coach Torin Baker said he was pleased to see his side improve its attack on the footy after going down to the Cannons in round one – but will be hoping his forward line can make more of its opportunities count in coming weeks.
Brenton Payne and Jayden Laverde each combined for four of the Jets’ eight goals on the day (two goals each).
Billy Myers, Hayden Bray, Liam Duggan and Brandon Coletta each kicked a goal of their own.
Draft prospects Corey Ellis, Dillon Viojo and Connor Menadue were among the Jets’ best on the day, while defender Harley Armstrong-Weston also drew praise from his coach for a solid display down back.
The Jets will have a chance to rectify their 0-2 start this Sunday away to the Oakleigh Chargers before hosting the Northern Territory at Williamstown’s Burbank Oval in round four.
The Jets sit 12th on the table and join the Gippsland Power, Bendigo Pioneers, North Ballarat Rebels and Eastern Ranges as the TAC Cup’s remaining winless clubs.
