Congratulations to the Inverell Saints, who took out the 2010 Country Energy Tamworth Australian Football League with a hard fought 22 point win over the Tamworth Kangaroos. Having lost just one match, the Saints were the form team of the season and their premiership, their second from their appearances in the last four straight grand finals, was well deserved.
Varley Oval received heavy rain late in the week, so despite warm conditions for the grand final a dead paddock saw little bounce from the Sherrin. The Saints dominated the opening period of the match, with three goals from Jason Gobberts an ominous sign early. Despite kicking four goals, the Saints wasted some other good chances before the Kangaroos fought back with two late goals from limited opportunities to trail by 15 points at the end of the first quarter.
The second period saw the Kangaroos hit their straps, kicking four goals and with their forward line getting the best of the Saints defence. The Saints managed three goals for the quarter, but the Kangaroos looked to be storming back into contention, and the match was up for grabs with just 8 points the difference at half time.
The third quarter was punctuated by a head count called by the Saints, after an injured Kangaroos player was replaced but believed to have remained on the field near the side lines. It was adjudicated that that player had left the field, but having not gone through the interchange gates was not eligible to return to the field, and with both sides fielding 18 accordingly the penalty against the Saints gifted a goal to the Kangaroos. The Kangaroos managed just one other major, and with 2010 Gillies medallist Corey Wheeler stepping up for the Saints, they kicked four goals to be clear by four straight kicks with a quarter to play.
The final quarter became an arm wrestle, with the Kangaroos lifting across the ground but being met by an equally determined Saints outfit. Wasteful again in front of goals, the Saints one goal and seven behinds was enough to match the two goals three produced by the Kangaroos to see the Saints named Premiers in 2010.
Cameron Douglas from the Kangaroos was named best on ground by the umpires and was awarded the Graham Nuttall Trophy.
Tony Bishop of the Tamworth Kangaroos was named the Coach of the Year and Paul Kelly from the Tamworth Auskick centre was named Volunteer of the Year for the Tamworth AFL district.
A special presentation was also made to Darrell Benfield in recognition of his outstanding service on the League Executive.
Last Modified on 06/03/2011 20:51