On a windy ANZAC day the Kangaroos evened up the game count against the Saints in the traditional clash between these two clubs. All the matches between the Kangaroos and the Saints in recent years have turned into classics and this game was no different.
The Saints captain, Chris Whitton, won the toss and elected to kick to the park end of NO.1 Oval with the aid of a 5 to 6 goal wind. The Kangaroos started well kicking the opening 2 goals against the wind before the Saints, led by Chris Whitton, kicked the next 3 goals to get back into the game. The Kangaroos then kicked a steadier before the Saints finished the quarter with 2 more goals, both kicked by Whitton. This gave the Saints a 14 point lead but they didn't use the wind to full advantage.
Quarter Time Score
Kangaroos 3-2-20
Saints 5-4-34
The second quarter gave the Kangaroos their first use of the wind, but they could only score 2 behinds before the Saints scored another goal by Whitton, who had hit a purple patch, but that was to be the only score for the Saints. The Kangaroos took complete control of the game from that point on until half time with their two main attacking players Andrew Hawkins kicking 2 goals and Dan Overeem kicking 2 goals. However, the Kangaroos let themselves down by kicking 5 goals 6 behinds in this period and not taking full advantage of the wind and bury the Saints. But they did turn a 14 point quarter time deficit into a a 18 point lead.
Half Time Score
Kangaroos 8-10-58
Saints 6-4-40
The third quarter also began with a goal against the wind for the Kangaroos' Hawkins. The Saints then took control again kicking 3 goals 3 behinds and giving their supporters hope before the Kangaroos hit back with another goal apeice to Hawkins and Overeem. The Saints got the next 2 goals before Hawkins finished the quarter with another goal and taking a 9 point lead into the last quarter with the aid of the wind.
Three Quarter Time
Kangaroos 12-10-82
Saints 11-7-73
Even though the Kangaroos had the wind in the last quarter the Saints fought it out and this was the best quarter of the game. Both teams only kicked 2 goals each but it was another good old fashioned arm wrestle between these two great clubs. In the end it was the Kangaroos rampage in the second quarter that won it for them. When asked after the game how he was feeling, one Kangaroo player said "after every game against the Saints I know I have played them".
Full Time Score
Kangaroos 14-15-99
Saints 13-10-88
Kangaroos Goals: Andrew Hawkins 6, Dan Overeem 5, Mark Barrow 1, Ben Coombes 1, Michael Feliso 1
Kangaroos Best: Luke Robinson, Michael Feliso, Mitch Douglas, Andrew Hawkins, Paul Tapper, Cameron Douglas
Saints Goals: Chris Whitton 5, Gary Hadland 2, Nick Baird 2, Mick Viney 1, Joe Kimmince 1, Beau Ryan 1, Jack Lawton 1
Saint Best: Jack Lawton, Joe Kimmince, Chris Whitton, Beau Ryan, Tom Williams, Darren Pithers
Last Modified on 25/04/2009 22:42