Match One: New England Nomads def Muswellbrook Cats by forfeit
Due to a lack of playing numbers this weekend, the Cats were forced to forfeit to the Nomads. This was the second time this season the Nomads had received the 4 points without kicking a ball in anger, but they will be fresh for their upcoming mid week clash against the Swans in Tamworth.
Match Two: Inverell Saints 18.19.127 def Gunnedah Bulldogs 17.13.115 at Leitch Oval
The TAFL returned to Narrabri on Saturday as the Bulldogs transferred their home field to Leitch Oval. To mark the occasion, the boys from Gunnedah donned the old Eagles socks and Eagles President Shane Murphy took on the captaincy for the Dogs. A blustery wind greeted the sides, which at times was worth 4 or 5 goals. The Dogs had first use of it, and took advantage after a close start, completely dominating the last 10 mins of the opening stanza. They opened up a commanding 32 point lead at quarter time. Needing to utilise the wind in the second quarter, the Saints got the early advantage and brought the margin back within 4 goals. However, the Dogs steadied again, and had the better of the running despite kicking into the breeze. The Saints won the quarter, but Errol Lather would have been delighted with his troops as they took a 20-point lead into half time. With the wind starting to die, the third quarter of the match looked to be pivotal, with the Dogs being the better side and took the lead out beyond 40 points. The Saints kicked the last two goals of the quarter, to give themselves a glimmer of hope, but this match looked like it was over. The first 5 minutes of the quarter was always going to be pivotal, and it was the Saints who came out full of running kicking three quick goals. That begun the charge for the boys from Inverell, as they kicked 7 unanswered goals to take an unlikely lead. The Dogs responded with one of their own to get the margin back within a kick, but Toby Tollis calmly slotted the winner with a minute left on the clock to seal an excellent Saints win. Tollis was a star late, kicking 3 last quarter goals, with Alex Walker and Chirs Whitton kicking 4 majors each. Justin Pay, Nick Baird and Tom Williams were the best for the victors. For the Dogs, Chris Gee was a constant threat up front with 4 majors, supported by Matthew Wynkiet and Russell Maddinson who kicked 3 each. Scott Hardy was best on field, with Shane Murphy and Chris Hayden strong all day.
The Saints will now head home to host the Swans, while the Dogs will get next weekend off to lick their wounds.
Match Three: Tamworth Kangaroos 17.12.114 def Tamworth Swans 12.10.82 at Number One Oval
The Kangaroos made it three wins from three for the year over their cross town rivals. The match was eerily similar to their previous clashes this season, with the Swans competitive in the first half only to be run over the top of late. This game started with all off the aggression of a typical derby, and with the added intensity of being played under lights, with the Swans season on the line. It was the boys in red that took the game on early, matching the Roos with their run and being aggressive at every contest. Only two points separated the teams at the first change, with the Swans clinging onto the slender lead. The second quarter saw much of the some fierce battles, with neither side able to take a stranglehold on the contest. Sensing the Swans were starting to tire, the Roos began applying the pressure around the ground and managed to sneak in front and hold onto a 4-point half time lead. With the match up for grabs, the premiership quarter was where this match could be won or lost. It was the Roos who were chief destroyers, running riot in the closing stages of the quarter and opened up 20 point lead at the final change. The Swans needed to dig deep late, and gave themselves a show of a comeback with a couple of early goals in the last quarter, but the class of the Roos stood firm and they ran out 32 point winners at the final siren. For the Roos, Matt Hodge and Dan Overeem kicked 4 goals each in another balanced attacking display. Lachlan Maloney, Dan Johnston and Mitch Douglas were their best. Paul Tapper, Nathan Keam and Gavin Knee each kicked 3 goals for the Swans, with Ross Fraser, Andrew Donahue and Josh McKenzie their best.
The Roos will now host the Cats, while the Swans have a big week hosting the Nomads on Wednesday night and then heading to Inverell to face the Saints next weekend.
Last Modified on 01/10/2012 10:21