IT WAS a terrific idea to take the latest Ipswich Jets A-Grade match to Rosewood.
It’s just a shame the entertaining Rugby League Ipswich encounter was called off early due to on-field scuffles and visiting sideline fans not following instructions.
The Jets were ahead of West End 44-22 with 14 minutes left to play when referees and officials ended the Sunday afternoon game after a series of scuffles.
However, Ipswich Jets manager Brian Ranse had no regrets having played a leading role in luring the match to Anzac Park.
“I come out here at least once a week to help with the coaching staff and help with the Rosewood C-Grade and Reserve Grade side,” Ranse said.
He was pleased when Jets CEO Richard Hughes and his staff were supportive of the game being staged in Rosewood.
Ranse has strong ties to country rugby league, including more than four seasons playing with the Rosewood Roosters and coaching, during two decades of association with the club.
“I spent the last 20 years out here playing between here and Laidley,” he said, having moved to the area in 2003.
“I know a lot of the crowd live and work in the town as well.
“And a lot of these guys don’t get to see A-Grade football because a club like this can’t have an A-Grade team.”
In his second year as a Jets manager, Ranse said bringing a top grade match to Rosewood “was a good thing for the younger players as well”.
“They can see how an A-Grade side prepares and plays at the same time.”
The fourth-placed Jets and bottom side Bulldogs went try-for-try early in the first half before a hat-trick by centre Flynn Groth and two tries by winger Jeriah Vagana blew the scoreline out.
“That’s exactly what we expect of those guys,” Ranse said.
“How they go out there and play and they did their job.”
Superb goal kicking by Jets fullback Dominique Sandow also proved the difference. He landed eight goals from nine attempts in the blustery conditions.
However, tensions flared a couple of times either side of halftime before the final scuffle resulted in the premature finish.
“We look past that,” Ranse said. “We are happy to let the referees and the officials deal with that stuff.”
The Rosewood Roosters C-Grade side lost the following Sunday match 12-8 to Swifts.
Chasing their first win of the season, the Roosters produced a gritty effort at their Anzac Park home base.
Interchange player Lachlan Staples and second rower Kodyn Paret scored for the Roosters.
