By ADEM SARICAOGLU
THE Western Jets were on the verge of a massive TAC Cup upset on Saturday but faded in the final term to lose by 38 points against North Ballarat at Eureka Stadium.
The Jets trailed the ladder leaders by just eight points at the final change after keeping up with the Rebels during the first three quarters, but they didn’t register a score in the final term to eventually let a golden opportunity slip by.
The Jets led by three points at quarter time after a high-scoring first term that saw both sides score four goals.
Both sides then traded blows once more throughout the second term, however North Ballarat’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them a decent halftime lead, instead going into the main break just two points up.
That lead was extended to eight after another even third quarter, but the classy Rebels kicked away in the final term to secure an important win that keeps them above the Gippsland Power at the top of the ladder.
Skipper Ashlin Brown, Charlie Nastasi and Spencer White all scored two goals for the Jets while Nastasi, Daniel Burton and Daniel O’Leary were named the Jets’ three best players on the ground.
The Jets are ninth on the ladder with three rounds remaining.
