ECU Souwest Jets topple ladder leaders West Coast Warriors during WANL double header

Despite falling short by 23 points to the Western Roar, the ECU Souwest Jets have found themselves in a good position for a finals berth after pulling off an upset over reigning premiers West Coast Warriors. The Jets found themselves in the midst of a second double-header for the 2021 WANL season when they went up against the Roar on Friday night followed by the Warriors on Sunday. Despite managing to obtain the early lead during the Friday night match-up, the Jets were quick to fade into the background when the Roar fought back to take the lead late in the opening term. Although the Jets put in a solid effort to try to win back the lead, the Roar kept composure and went on to take the win 52-23. On Sunday, the Jets had a tough challenge ahead to try and bounce back when they went up against the Warriors, who were sitting at the top of the ladder. However, a strong defensive unit in Ruth Aryang and Brooke O’Connor combined with excellent shooting from Giselle Taylor saw the Jets take the lead from the outset. Rapid driving from Brooke Gibson and Ella Eastaugh also saw the Warriors’ confidence shaken as the Jets continued extending their lead and taking control as the match progressed. Despite a late comeback scare when Stephanie Cooper took to the goal shooter position for the Warriors, the Jets managed to hold strong and take the victory 51-35, avenging their 11-point loss at Eaton Recreation Centre. The Jets will be returning to Eaton Recreation Centre this weekend when they take on the Curtin Hamersley Comets on Saturday where they will look to maintain their strong form. The Comets enjoyed a similar weekend to the Jets which saw them fall short to the Warriors by just four points on Friday but bounce back with a 52-48 victory over the Rangers. The contest is set to be an enticing one with the Jets pipping the Comets on the ladder by percentage and both teams having won two games each in their last four meetings, including a 52-44 victory for the Jets the last time they met at Eaton Recreation Centre in round seven of the 2019 season.