The Inverell Saints have taken sole ownership of the 2010 Tamworth AFL ladder with a tough 43 point victory over the Tamworth Kangaroos at Varley Oval on Saturday. The match was billed as the biggest clash of the year so far and it didn't disappoint as both teams fought tooth and nail right through until the final siren.
The match started in cool conditions, with the ground fairly soggy from the downpour that hit Inverell the day before. It was the Roos who got the early momentum and a goal to Tim Cotter early put them out in front in the first 5 minutes. But the Saints fought back gamely, and 3 consecutive goals gave them back the lead and a hard fought quarter time lead.
The Saints were kicking into the breeze in the second period and more than held their own in the early going, with goals to Chris Whitton and Mick Corcoran establishing a 4 goal buffer. However, the Roos weren't to be outdone and showed how dangerous they could be, kicking 3 goals on the trot to bridge the margin to 8 points at the half, with the game anyone's.
The premiership quarter was always going to be crucial to the 4 points, and both teams played as if that was the case. The contest on the ball was hard but fair, as both teams defensive 6 started to get on top. The Saints kicked 2 quick goals to end the stalemate, and despite an answering goal for the Roos, the Saints had opened up a handy 19 point buffer at the last change.
With the match on the line. the first goal of the quarter became vital, and it was the Saints who kicked the goal through Corcoran to put the margin back out to 4 goals. It was then that Mick Viney finally managed to shake off the Roos defense and kicked all 4 of his majors in the last to give the Saints the momentum they needed to open up the lead. A couple of quick Roos goals kept the Saints honest, but another to the Saints finally put the game to bed and saw the Saints run out victors by 43 points.
The final margin did not indicate the closeness of the contest all day, with the Saints managing to run over the Roos late, which was probably indicative of the Roos missing a few vital cogs of their lineup. When these teams meet again, which will be a some stage of the finals, 2 full strength teams will certainly be quite a match. Justin Pay was the Saints best in the ruck, which was even more credible considering he was sick all week. Corey Wheeler was again brilliant through the middle, whilst the Saints back six earned special praise for their constant pressure on the Roos forwards.
It doesn't get any easier for the Saints as they now play host to the in form Nomads next weekend which will once again be a huge test. This result puts the Saints in a good position for finals footy, but does not guarantee anything yet. With 5 rounds to be played, there is still plenty to do for this Saints outfit.
Last Modified on 05/07/2010 15:08