The Inverell Saints have tasted defeat for the first time in 2010 after a tough 23 point loss to the Tamworth Kangaroos on Saturday night. Despite a dreadful first quarter, the Saints fought hard to still be with a chance heading into the last quarter but were unable to take the lead from the Roos all night who were excellent across the ground.
One of the Saints biggest negatives to start the year had been their first quarters and this was something the Saints braintrust were working on to get right against the Roos. However it was more of the same, as the lethargic Saints were beaten to the contest and generally struggled to get into the game in the first 25 minutes of the match. The normally water tight backline was being bombarded with attacking raid after attacking raid and this meant that eventually the dam wall had to break with the Roos piling on 7 first quarter goals to the Saints 2.
The second quarter saw the Saints finally switch on and take control of the match. This domination did not translate into the place that mattered - on the scoreboard - and despite having most of the run, could not get within 20 points of the Roos. A couple of late Tamworth goals saw the lead back out to 27 points at the long break, and for all their hard work, the Saints had little to show for it.
Once again in the third, the Saints dominated large parts of the play but were unable to convert this into a serious charge. The margin was reduced to 14 points and with all the momentum the Saints looked to be back in the match. However they were again thwarted by the strong Roos defense and a late settler put the margin back out to 20 points at the final change.
Urged on for on last effort, the Saints piled on the pressure early in the fourth, kicking a goal but missing several chances to get even closer. The Roos then responded with 2 quick goals which put the result out of doubt and a late goal had the Saints with the final margin of 23 points. The Saints can be proud of the way they fought through the game, but yet another slow start makes it very hard to compete with the top teams in this league.
Jono Elphick and Justin Pay were once again the stars for the Saints, providing plenty of run from half back. Corey Wheeler was in and under every contest and Joe Kimmince stemmed the flow at full back after the Roos got the jump in the first quarter. Mick Viney was a strong focal point up front kicking 4 goals as did Chris Whitton who was back to some of his best form for the year.
The Saints now need to refocus and prepare for the Nomads in Armidale next weekend, a team that has now won 3 on the trot.
Last Modified on 09/05/2010 12:03