The Inverell Saints have won back to back games for the first time in 2009 by defeating the Gunnedah Bulldogs at Varley Oval on Saturday. The Saints put the Bulldogs to the test in the second and third quarter and were able to come away with a comfortable 49 point victory.
The game started with the Bulldogs kicking with the aid of a three goal breeze, and despite some early forays forward, were unalbe to capitalise on the wind. The Saints responded and kicked the first 2 goals of the game, and were generally controlling the flow of the game. Keiran Te Velde started on fire for the Saints and was ably supported by Mick Corley and Dan Corcoran through the midfield. However, a 5 minute burst by the Bulldogs, lead by Farren Lamb, saw the Gunnedah boys pile on 4 straight goals and take control of the match, leading by 2 goals at the end of the first.
The start of the second saw a much more committed effort from the Saints, who went about erasing the lead quickly. Some good entries into the forward 50 resulted in goals as the Bulldogs struggled to contain a potent forward line being led by Peter Heath. The Saints had a great quarter, keeping the Dogs goalless whilst piling on 5 of their own.
The third quarter was going to be a big test for the Saints, having to control the Dogs kicking with the breeze, but they responded by controlling the ball out of the middle, with first use being provided by Joe Kimmince out of the ruck. Once again the forward line kicked goals with nearly every foray forward and the Saints took a commanding lead into the final quarter.
The Dogs started the last quarter with positive movements forward and looked like they could still make a charge, before a couple of settling goals for the Saints killed the contest. Mick Viney finsihed off a good day with 4 goals, supported by Heath with 3 and Hadland and Kimmince with 2. Te Velde took home the mug for best a ground, but Jono Elphick had an eye catching game across half back, as did Jack Lawton through the midfield.
The Saints have now improved to 2 and 2 and will host the Cats this weekend in an attempt to improve their win loss ratio into the positive for the first time this season.
Last Modified on 26/05/2009 17:28