The Inverell Saints have claimed their second TAFL Premiership with a hard fought 22 point victory over the Tamworth Kangaroos on Saturday at Varley Oval. The Saints have added to their 2007 success after the disappointment of Grand Final losses in 2008 and 2009. The match was played as a Grand Final should be, hard, tough and with neither team taking a backward step.
The game started under blue skies, however heavy rain on Friday meant the ground was very soggy under foot with some puddles still lying on the ground. The Saints started just as they did two weeks prior, controlling the early battles, kicking a goal after just one minute through Jason Gobbert. They kicked another 2 through the big man before the Roos were able to reply with a couple of their own, before a late major to Darren Pithers saw the lead back out to 14 points at the first change.
The first 15 minutes of the second quarter was possibly the best footy the Saints had played in season 2010. They controlled much of the play through the middle, with Justin Pay dominating the ruck and Corey Wheeler getting consistent first use of the footy. Pay capped off a great quarter when he kicked a brilliant running goal, and the Saints had opened up a 33 point lead. However, the Roos refused to lay down and kicked the next 4 goals of the game, taking their own grip on the match, led by midfielders Cotter and Douglas. The half time margin stood at 8 points, with half time a welcome relief to the under siege Saints.
The message at half time for the Saints was to keep pressing forward, and the Premiership quarter saw the match turn in favour of the Saints again. Playing tough, hard footy, the boys from Inverell put everything into every contest to assert some pressure on the Roos midfield. It worked, with the Saints booting 4 goals to 2 in the quarter, 3 of which coming from Wheeler. Only some costly misses at goal were hurting the Saints, who led by 4 goals at the last change.
The first goal of the last turned out to be the most important of the match, as Keiran Te Velde slotted beautifully from the boundary to put the margin out to 5 goals. From there, the match became the type of arm wrestle the Saints love. However the Saints were unable to put the final nail into the coffin with some more misses on goal, and when the Roos goaled with 15 minutes to go, it was still anyone's game. But the Saints held firm, keeping the margin at 22 points at the final siren.
The Saints had many outstanding performances on the day, but the work of Pay in the ruck had the biggest influence on the result of the game. Together with Wheeler, who won plenty of the ball, the Saints midfield nullified the highly fancied Roos outfit. Pithers was a constant threat at half forward, and the work of Joe Kimmince on Roos danger man Dan Overeem, was excellent. Tom Williams and Te Velde were also strong contributors through the midfield.
The Graham Nuttal Medal was awarded to Roos best Cameron Douglas.
The Saints now look forward to Friday night's Presentation night at the Royal beginning at 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Annabelles for $25. It should be a great night and all players, families, supporters and sponsors are welcome.
Last Modified on 24/11/2010 10:36