INVERELL will host Narrabri in next week’s Tamworth AFL minor semi-final after the pair clashed in the second game of a double header at Gunnedah on Saturday before the presentation night.
Despite going into the game drawn in third place and with one win each from two previous matches, the Saints dominated the game to end the round games with a 22.18.149 to 7.4.46 win.
The Eagles were only behind by one point at quarter-time, although would only score one goal in the next two quarters to find themselves way behind at halftime and even further behind in the second half.
Saints coach Nick Baird couldn’t have been happier with the defensive effort from his side.
“They only scored one or two behinds in the second quarter and then only just got a goal at the very end of the third quarter,” Baird said.
“That is essentially half a game without conceding a goal while we put a fair few in ourselves in that time.”
Full forward Ryan Woolley provided a focal point for the Saints attack with a huge game up front while Tom Williams and Russell Brien owned the midfield, starving the Eagles of the ball.
When they did get the ball, the Saints backline was just as effective, producing the best performance from the Inverell side this season.
“We put our best side on the paddock and backed it up with our best performance,” Baird said.
“We have three or four coming back next week again so selections are going to be very tough.
“It will all be a massive waste if we did this today and didn’t go on with it next week.”
The big win on Saturday and the home ground advantage will give the Saints a big leg-up into the finals and, after featuring in a losing grand final for the last three years straight against the Nomads, the Saints are keen to have their revenge.
Minor premiers New England Nomads also had a big win, beating Tamworth Swans at Tamworth’s No 1 Oval by 96 points to prepare for their major semi-final against the Tamworth Kangaroos next week.
Captain coach Zac Economou kicked eight and then went on to take the golden boot at the presentation after raining goals off his boots all season.
Saints star Hayden Chappel won the Gillies Medal for best and fairest.
In the other match, Gunnedah finished their season on a high after just missing the finals with a 17.17.119 to 10.9.69 win over Moree, Peter Chapman kicking four, while five other players nailed a brace.
Next week, the major semi-final will be at Bellevue Oval in Armidale, with Inverell hosting their final at Varley Oval.
Source: Northern Daily Leader 30th August 2015
Last Modified on 04/09/2015 19:51