The Inverell Saints have suffered their second defeat of 2011 with a tough 19 point loss at the hands of the Nomads. It was a much improved performance from the Saints after the flogging they copped in Tamworth 3 weeks earlier, but still not enough to take home the 4 points.
The Saints started the match full of confidence and duly slotted 3 quick goals, 2 of which to Hamish Bird who was very dangerous in the forward pocket. The Saints were winning the early battles around the ground, but a dubious sending off of Russell Brien saw the match momentum take a turn toward the Nomads who put on four straight goals to take the lead into the first change.
During the second, the Saints once again showed they were going to be competitive in this match but were unable to take control as wasteful kicking allowing the Nomads to hold onto their lead from the first quarter. After getting back to within 8 points, it was again the Nomads who kicked away late in the quarter and they took a strong 3 goal lead into long break.
The message at the half was to make more of the opportunities for the Saints and thats exactly what they did during the third. Joe Kimmince went forward and changed the complexion of the match as the Saints looked dangerous with every entry into the forward 50. When Charlie McShane snapped a goal late in the quarter, the Saints had the margin back to just 7 points at the last change.
The first 15 minutes of the last quarter were a true arm wrestle, with both teams wasteful in front of goals. However a brilliant snap from Brien from the boundary line put the Saints within a kick and with all the running, but the Nomads steadied the ship and kicked the last 2 of the game to put it to bed. The Saints have only themselves to blame, with the 17 point final margin despite an extra shot on goal.
Brien, Kimmince, Bird, Borthwick, Whitton and Elphick were all among the Saints best. The Saints will now meet the Roos back at home next weekend.
Last Modified on 29/05/2011 20:45