Round 10 of the competition saw the Saints play host to the Bulldogs. The boys from Gunnedah travelled with a vastly understrength outfit, and were no match for the Saints, with the final margin standing at 158 points. The Saints had 10 goal kickers, with Viney kicking 9 to all but wrap up the Griffiths Medal with still 8 rounds to go. Mick Corcoran, Jason Gobbert and KJ Te Velde were the Saints best.
In Round 11, the Saints made their longest road trip of all to Muswellbrook to take on the Cats. The Saints allowed only 1 goal in the first 3 quarters as they defeated the Cats by 73 points. Corey Wheeler booted 4 for the Saints, and was best on ground, along with Sam Kimmince and Jono Elphick.
The Saints then returned home to face the Roos in what was to be 3 big weeks of matches against the other eventual finalists. This match was another top of the table clash, with the winner having sole possession of the top spot. After a tight first 3 quarters, the Saints ran away with the match in the last, kicking 7 goals in the last to run out 44 point winners. Viney and Corcoran each booted 4 goals, with Justin Pay, Matt Harrison and Wheeler the best for the Saints.
In Round 13 the Saints faced off against the red hot Nomads who were keen to get there first victory over the Saints in some 4 years. Despite a tight first quarter, the Saints kicked away to a commanding win, restricting the Nomads to just one goal for each of the last 3 quarters and winning by 107 points. Viney kicked 10 and was in the Saints best, along with Mitch Hall and Stew Walker.
The Saints headed off to Tamworth in Round 14 to face the Swans. After a spirited opening, the margin at the half was just 8 points in the Saints favour, however after being reduced to 17 men, the Saints produced a fine half of football to to take the game by 39 points. Gary Hadland kicked 4 and was amongst the Saints best with Elphick and Shaun Mansbridge.
After the bye in Round 15, the Saints had their Round 16 clash with the Eagles washed out.
In Round 17 the Saints were back on the road to face the Bulldogs in Gunnedah. The Dogs were playing for their year and came out ready to take the game to the death. However the Saints produced an excellent first quarter, keeping the Dogs goalless and kicking 5 to open up the match winning lead. The final margin sat at 55 points and secured the Saints a home Major Semi. Jason Gobbert kicked 6, with Wheeler, Mansbridge and Peter Dunlop the best for the Saints.
The final round of the regular season saw the Saints travel to Tamworth again to meet the Cats. Despite some wayward kicking, the Saints controlled the match from the outset and ran out 86 point victors. Dick Gleeson booted 5 goals, with Elphick, Wheeler and Whitton the Saints best.
All this lead to the Major Semi Final against the Roos at Varley Oval. It was third year in a row these teams had fought the Major Semi, and the match lived up to the billing with both teams trading blows all day, only to see the Saints ahead by 12 points at the final siren. Gobbert booted 9 goals in a best on ground performance, with Elphick and Dunlop also impressive.
All there is left now is to look forward to the big one on Saturday. Hopefully we will see a big crowd to come along and cheer on the Saintas!
Last Modified on 24/11/2010 10:37