The New England Nomads started their season well with a win over the Tamworth Swans, the Cats had a really good first half against the Gunnedah Bulldogs however they would want to forget the second half of that game. The last time these 2 teams met was in round 14 at Tamworth's NO.1 and the very undermanned Cats were thumped by 170 points, with Weston Whitby kicking a Country Energy TAFL record 19 goals. The Cats have been able to recruit more people to the club this year and will be buoyed by their early effort against the Bulldogs but will be no match for the Nomads at home. The Nomads struggled in the first quarter against the improved Swans and if it was not for the Swans giving away a free kick late in the first quarter, they would have been goalless for the quarter. Nomads Coach Brendan Meehan, urged his players to play with more intensity after quarter time and slowly they clawed their way back into the game finally getting in front in the last quarter. They then showed that they could withstand a late charge from the Swans and win under pressure.
Nomads to win by 72 points.
The Swans host the Inverell Saints in a game between 2 round 1 loser's. Neither team was beaten by much and both will be looking to open their winning account for 2009. The last time the Swans and the Saints met was in round 11 last year at NO.1 Oval with the Saints beating the Swans by 56 points. In fact the Swans have not beaten the Saints since their thumping win in the 2006 preliminary final. The Saints were not disgraced against the Kangaroos and showed that they will still be a force this year. They are still getting used to a new coach and I am still confident that they will play finals this year. The main reason the Swans lost to the Nomads was their undisciplined acts that resulted in 3 direct goals to the Nomads. Coach Rick Watt will be instilling in his charges this week the importance of staying focused and disciplined. If they can do this, they will play finals this year.
Swans to win by 15 points.
In the match of the round the Gunnedah Bulldogs will be hoping to make the Kennel a fortress this year and their first challenger will be the Tamworth Kangaroos. The last time these 2 met was in round 12 in Tamworth last year and the Kangaroos had a compelling 84 point victory. The Bulldogs travelled down to the Cattery last week with only 19 men and lost Scott Hardy to injury in the first quarter. So the fact that they completely out played the Cats in the second half show that you underestimate the Bullies at your peril this year. The Bulldogs were simply awesome kicking 17 goals 8 behinds in the second half, while keeping the Cats to just 4 behinds at the same time. The Kangaroos had a workman type win against the Saints and showed that they will not be easy beats this year, even with their player losses from last year. I have a feeling, though, that is this going to be the year of the Bulldog though.
Bulldogs to win by 30 points.
Last Modified on 06/05/2009 20:46