The Inverell Saints have secured their third Minor Premiership with a resounding 55 point victory over the Gunnedah Bulldogs in Gunnedah on Saturday. The win saw the Saints take a 12 competition point lead over the Kangaroos on the premiership table with just 2 rounds of football to be played.
The match started in perfect conditions as both sides looked to get the early ascendancy after both having a week off due to the wet. The first 10 minutes of the contest were fought hard, with each and every possession having to be earnt. It was the Saints who got the first of the quarter through the returning Jason Gobbert, and after a couple of good running goals the Saints had managed to open up an early lead. When Chris Whitton slotted one late in the quarter, the Saints had opened up a 32 point lead at the first change.
The second quarter turned into a tough battle in the midfield. The Dogs got their first on the board early, but a quick reply from Gobbert saw the lead stay at 5 goals. Further goals to Peter Dunlop and Shaun Mansbridge saw the margin get beyond 40 points but the Dogs refused to lay down and kicked the last of the half to bring the margin back to 35 points at the long break.
Knowing the Dogs were going to come out fighting, the Saints tried hard to restrict the running game of the Gunnedah midfield during the third. But with Scott Hardy popping up for a good crumbing goal and another 2 from the Dogs midfield the Saints found themselves chasing the game for the first time all day. A steadier from Whitton got the Saints back on track, but with the margin back to 32 points at the last change the Saints knew it was going to be a tough battle to the end.
The first goal of the last was always going to be crucial, and it was the Saints who got the first 3 to all but put the game to bed. A great running goal by Corey Wheeler highlighted the hard work of the midfield, but the real highlight of the last was seeing basketball import Mick Villella snap his first goal in AFL footy. The final margin was left at 55 points, with the Saints taking the all important 4 points back with them to Inverell.
Wheeler was outstanding all day and secured the players player, as was Dunlop who was a danger all day across half forward. Matt Harrison had a field day across halfback, linking up for many forward attacking forays. His counterparts at halfback Justin Pay and Jono Elphick were also good. Shaun Mansbridge enjoyed the open spaces of the Wolseley Oval wing picking up touches at will whilst the big man Gobbert finished with 6 goals in a dominant display.
The Saints will now have another week off as the wash out round is caught up. The regular season will finish for the Saints in Tamworth against the Cats in a fortnight.
Last Modified on 09/08/2010 10:55