A late try from youngster Brian Baxter sealed a 30-28 victory for the Cowboys in Narromine on Sunday.
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Following the high-scoring outing against Dubbo CYMS last week, the Cowboys continued their aggressive offence.
Despite being dreadfully undermanned, coach Aidan Ryan said he was happy with his boys fast start.
“We were missing 7 out of our starting 13 from the week before, so for us to start the way we did and end up winning is a credit to all the young guys who stepped up.
“We burst out of the blocks actually. We were 12-nil up until about the 30 minute mark,” he said
The Jets managed a solid respond, breaking through for two quick tries.
Ryan said for a while it was all Jets pressure, but his side managed to turn the momentum back their way just before half time.
“We managed to get a try right on half time, so we were able to go into the break 18-10 up.
“It was great to head in and be able to settle ourselves to go again.”
He said the boys started strong again after half time, scoring the first try of the second half in minutes, putting them 10-24 up.
The earlier hard-running, fast-flowing game changed dramatically after heavy rains poured down early in the second half.
“It really became a forwards game after half time.
“On the dry pitch we were well-and-truly on top, but once the rains came in Narromine really pushed back hard.
“They kept coming and really pushed us. They scored three tries in-a-row to take the lead,” he said.
Ryan said the clock was ticking and the Jets were up 24-28 before Baxter broke through and pushed the Cowboys back in front with about three minutes left.
“It was young Baxter’s first First Grade try, and it was great to watch.”
Ryan commended the young team’s effort, saying they really stood up.
“Our two best players were probably Greg Peckham and Graham Peckham.
“For blokes like these to step up against Narromine is a real credit to them and it’s really good to see from my point of view,” Ryan said.
The club now has a two-week break before their season officially kicks off on April 30 against the reigning premiers.
“We’re up against Forbes in Forbes for our first proper hit-out of the year.
“That game will really show me how we’re looking and where the boys are at,” Ryan said.
Ryan said he hopes his boys will use the Easter break as a time to get their minds and bodies right for what he hopes will be a successful season.
