Match One: New England Nomads 8.21.69 def Inverell Saints 8.10.58
The Grand Final Replay was billed as the match of the young 2013 season and it didn’t fail to deliver, with the Nomads holding on in a thrilling 11 point victory over the Saints. The match was eerily similar to last year’s decider with the Nomads dominating around the ground without being able to put away the plucky Saints. They again struggled in front of goal and for the second consecutive week kicked more than 20 behinds. Once again they still got the win, which is a scary thought for opposition clubs when they start getting some accuracy in front of goals.
This match was played largely in the middle of the field. Both teams played strong defensive games and neither forward line was able to assert themselves in battle. The Nomads defence was without a couple of notables, namely coach Tom Granleese, but they held firm and were able to keep Mike Gould goalless after his 13 last week. For the most part it was the smaller players that swooped and provided goals from the midfield, with the Nomads getting 3 valuable majors from new recruit Jed Ellis-Cluff and 2 from Dave Graan in another impressive display. Similarly, the Saints only multiple goal kicker was young midfielder Hamish Bird who provided much needed run against the flow of the fleet-footed Nomads.
Benji Julien was the best for the Nomads providing some fantastic run and carry from defence and starting many attacking forays from deep in his own 50, with Graan again good and Grant Elson back in the fold and resuming his form from last season. For the Saints, Chris Whitton was outstanding across half forward, with Russel Brien and KJ Te Velde doing their best to win the midfield battle.
There’s still plenty to work on from both teams following this clash, but it is hard to argue with the early season form of the Nomads. They start season 2013 with 2 wins and face the Cats next weekend. For the Saints, they have to back up with another blockbuster against the Roos in their first home game of the season and will be desperate not to start the season off with a 1 and 2 record.
Match Two: Tamworth Kangaroos 15.18.108 def Tamworth Swans 14.7.91
The first instalment of the 2013 Bill Holder Cup went the way of recent history, with the Kangaroos winning an absorbing battle by 17 points. Despite the loss, Swans coach Andrew Donohue would have to have been happy with his troops who responded in the best way possible following a disappointing Round 1 loss. The match was still well in the balance into the last 10 minutes of the clash before the Roos finally put the Swans away. The Roos got a little wasteful in front of goal in that last quarter, but Brett Douglas must be happy with his troops starting the season with 2 wins against two quality opponents.
The Roos got the jump on the Swans in this one early, but if they was one very big positive for the Swans it was their second quarter. They kicked 7 goals to none for the period and led the Roos by almost 3 goals at the long break. It is a great sign that the club are heading in the right direction and will be very competitive this year when they can get their best 22 on the field. However, the Roos would also be impressed with their own fighting qualities as they fought back in the third and finally put the game away in the last quarter.
Matt Hodge continued on his impressive start to Season 2013, kicking 3 goals in a best on ground performance. The Roos had useful goal kicking contributions across the field, especially from their midfield runners which takes a lot of pressure off their forwards. Drew Murden and Mitch Douglas were also good for the victors. Paul Tapper and Nathan Bradburn lead the Swans attack with 3 majors each, with Kyle Nicholls their best in the ruck, well supported by Scott Clout and Shane Kilby.
The Roos will now head north to take on the Saints in Inverell next week, whilst the Swans will make the trip west on the highway to battle the Bulldogs.
Match Three: Gunnedah Bulldogs 17.2.124 def Muswellbrook Cats 7.6.48
The final match of the weekend saw a return to Sunday footy at Gunnedah. Following the unavailability of Werriman Field and Wolsely on Saturday, this home match of the Cats was transferred to Gunnedah on Sunday. Despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, it was a real battle between the two clubs played in good spirits throughout. Both teams played some enterprising footy at times, with both clubs showing some excellent young talent coming through the ranks. The Bulldogs ultimately had too much run across the field for the Cats, with impressive displays from their usual match winners of Scott Hardy and Andrew George.
The Dogs got a good start in this clash and never looked back. They didn’t trail at any point of 100 minutes of footy, but were still made to earn the 4 points. They increased the lead at every change, but were wasteful in front of the goals throughout the first half. They were being lead by Mitchell Swain for much of the game as he dominated through the middle and pushed forward and was dangerous. However, a serious leg injury in the third quarter saw the end of his day, and may cost him some time in future weeks as well. The Cats continued to battle all day, and played their best quarter in the last 25 minutes to limit the final margin. Ken Garland turned back the clock with an impressive display in the ruck and up front displaying his usual hard attack on the pill.
Swain was main avenue forward for the Bulldogs and their best, with Hardy and George also prominent in the votes. Russell Maddinson was also handy up front kicking 4 majors himself. For the Cats, Cam Davis continued from his good game last week kicking a couple, with Garland and Cam Benkovic also getting multiples. Brian Martin was outstanding across the midfield, with Adam Griffiths and Troy Garling also good.
For the Dogs next week they host the Swans in what should be an excellent match. The Cats will play host to the league leading Nomads.
Last Modified on 28/02/2014 10:31