The clouds cleared to reveal a perfect day for footy in Tamworth. In the first quarter the Kangaroos started the best with a goal to Mitch Penberthy before they lost their accuracy booting 4 behinds in a row. It took until the 6 minute mark of the quarter for the Swans to even venture into its forward line. But it was worth it with Jason Darcy kicking the Swans first goal of the game. 2 minutes later the next Swans shot on goal hit the goal post. The Kangaroos then steadied with a goal each to Paul Tapper and Dan Overeem. From the 14 minute mark of the quarter to the 24 minute mark the Swans Mitch Firth ran riot kicking 3 goals and giving them a 4 point lead with a minute to go. But in that minute the Kangaroo's Mark Barrow kicked his only goal of the game. During this first quarter the Kangaroos had Luke Robinson and Ben Coombes leave the ground after separate head clashes both a bit worse for wear. Both however were not off for long and were back on in the second quarter. After all this the Kangaroos held a 2 point lead at the first break.
The second quarter started with neither team giving an inch. The Swan's Jason Darcy kicked the first goal and the Kangaroos Paul Tapper had the reply 30 seconds later. At the 5 minute mark of the quarter the Swans took control of the game kicking 5 goals in 6 minutes to Mitch Firth, Jason Darcy, Richard Green, Gavin Knee and a second to Richard Green. It took the Swans another 6 minutes to score its next goal by Dean Hoy. The Kangaroos then managed to hold the Swans before kicking 2 goals in the last 2 1/2 minutes of the quarter to Ash Cruickshank and Ben Kennedy to end the quarter with a bit of much needed momentum. But it was all about the Swans as they held a 21 point lead at half time.
After an impassioned plea from Coach Tony Bishop at the break the Kangaroos came out showing they were not done with yet. They were scrapping for everything but after a couple of behinds the Swans Richard Green kicked his third goal of the game. The Kangaroos then got their act together kicking 3 goals in 3 minutes with 2 by Paul Tapper and 1 by Mitch Penberthy. The Swans Mitch Firth then kicked his 5th goal of the game against the run of play only to have the answering goal kicked by the ever reliable Dan Overeem. The Swans then kicked into gear taking control of the game again at the 19 minute mark of the quarter, but could only manage to 2 goals and 2 behinds. This however still saw the Swans half time lead cut from 21 points to 19 points. But they were still looking the goods.
Both teams threw everything into the start of the last quarter and it took until the 7 minute mark before the first goal was kicked by the Swans Jason Darcy, his 4th of the game. This kicked the Kangaroos into gear with them kicking the next 3 goals in 9 minutes to Overeem, Captain Tim Cotter and Cam Douglas. This cut the Swans lead to just 7 points but then the Swans shifted up a gear scoring 2 behinds before young Joey Atkinson kicked the goal that sealed the game for them with only 1 1/2 minutes to go. This gave the Swans a 15 point win.
The Swans while happy with the win did not go overboard with their celebrations knowing that they have not won anything yet. They will travel to Inverell next week with confidence though.
For the Kangaroos 2009 is over and after a couple of months to lick their wounds will no doubt come back bigger and better in 2010.
Last Modified on 13/09/2009 08:06