Match One: Tamworth Kangaroos 22.16.148 def Muswellbrook Cats 4.13.37 at Number One Oval
The Kangaroos have continued their recent run of good form with a clinical disposal of the Cats in Tamworth on Saturday. The boys from Tamworth led from start to finish and comprehensibly defeated the Cats, and in the process have maintained the pressure on the top 2 on the ladder. The Roos set up their win early, with a commanding first quarter in which they piled on 6 goals to nil and set up a 36-point lead at the first change. While the Cats were able to register a major in the second, the Roos contuned on their merry way, kicking another 5 goals and saw the match all but over at the long change holding a 57 point lead. The Cats were unable to stem the flow in the third quarter and were once again held goalless for the quarter, with the Roos small forwards making full use of the service they received from the midfield. The Roos managed another 11 goals in the second half, and while the Cats were able to register a further two goals in the last quarter, they had no answer for the well balanced Roos. The final margin of 111 points was a welcome percentage boost for the Roos, and sees them equal on point on top of the ladder, but trailing the Saints and Nomads on percentage.
Dan Overeem continued his stellar season slotting 5 majors, ably supported by Cam Douglas who managed 4 for himself. Carl Frazier, Dan Gimbert and Mitch Penberthy were the best for the victors. The Cats had no multiple goalkickers, but were best served by Mark McLaughlin, Nathan May and Jai Pursell.
The Roos will now focus on an important clash against the Dogs next weekend, while the Cats will welcome the Swans for their last home game of the season.
Match Two: Inverell Saints 29.19.193 def Tamworth Swans 4.1.25 at Varley Oval
It was terrible timing for the Swans to head north to face the Saints in Inverell on Saturday. Not only were the Saints still on a high from last week’s big comeback victory, but they were coming off their first home loss of the season a fortnight before. Add to this that the Swans were playing their third game in 7 days and all signs pointed to a tough day at the office for the visitors. That proved to be just the case, and despite a competitive opening to the match where they were just 3 goals down at the first change, the Swans were comprehensibly beaten across the park. By halftime, the lead had blown out to 70 points, and despite limiting the Saints in the third quarter, the Swans were unable to eat into the lead during the premiership quarter. The Saints ran rampant in the last quarter, recording another 12 goals in the stanza and pushing the final margin out to 168 points. This was the largest winning margin of the season and the biggest score any team had scored this season. Joe Kimmince was very impressive in his return from a broken hand, kicking 13 goals in a best on ground performance. He got support from Mike Gould who kicked 7 and increased his lead in the race for the Gerry Griffiths Medal. Sam Kimmince was strong down back for the Saints, with Toby Tollis also strong in the ruck. The Swans had no multiple goalkickers, but were best served by veteran Gav Knee, Ian Roberts and Will Priest who toiled away all day.
The Saints now face a massive clash against the Nomads in Armidale next weekend, whilst the Swans will head south to Muswellbrook in a must win game against the Cats.
Last Modified on 01/10/2012 10:20