THE Ipswich Jets have opened their Hostplus Cup season in emphatic fashion, shutting out the Townsville Blackhawks 30-0 in their first home game of the year at Richardson Park – Woogaroo Field on Sunday afternoon.
The match marked the Jets’ first appearance at the Goodna venue this season, with the club hosting home games there while upgrades are carried out at North Ipswich Reserve.
Despite the rain continuing to fall, the Jets outfit delivered a commanding performance, crossing for six tries while keeping the visitors scoreless in front of their home crowd.
The Jets opened the scoring in the 13th minute with breakout rookie Josh Patson, off the back of signing a multi-year contract with the Titans, crossed for the first try, with Brenton Baira adding the conversion to give the home side an early 6-0 lead.
Momentum quickly swung Ipswich’s way as Tony Francis grabbed his first try in the 18th minute to extend the lead to 10-0. Forward Dantoray Lui added another just before halftime, with Baira converting to send the Jets to the break leading 16-0.
Ipswich maintained the pressure in the second half.
Francis secured his second try of the afternoon in the 54th minute, before winger Ken Maumalo crossed twice – in the 57th minute and again late in the match – sealing the comprehensive victory.
Baira finished the day with three conversions, including the final kick after Maumalo’s second try.
Both teams were reduced to 12 players midway through the second half when Nicholas Halalilo (Jets) and Joshua Stuckey (Blackhawks) were sin-binned in the 67th minute.
Despite the brief disruption, Ipswich remained firmly in control, dominating both possession and field position as they secured a convincing 30-0 win to open their home campaign at Richardson Park.
“Really happy with the performance,” said head coach Tye Ingebrigtsen. “Townsville has a really strong side so we knew we had to be on our best game to compete with them.
“I thought Blake Lenehan and Moses Mbye were outstanding today – both boys really lead us well.
“Tough conditions but Maumalo and Francis finishing doubles today as well we’re really strong”
The Jets will look to make it two wins on the bounce when they clash with Sunshine Coast Falcons on Saturday at Stafford Park, Hervey Bay.
