The Saints were wasteful early in the match with players trying to come to terms with the blustery conditions but still managed to go into the first break with the early lead.
The Saints began to look threatening in the 2nd term with Alex Walker and Mick Viney looming dangerous for the visitors while the Cats goal kicking ace Ryan McEvoy had limited opportunities in their forward line, being held to only 2 goals for the first half.
The Saints suffered a major blow during the quarter with the ever elusive Dave Kent suffering a forearm injury after being kicked. He took no further part in the game. Inverell had extended their lead at the major break but the Cats weren't going to give up that easy.
The Cats came out firing in the third stanza as they mounted a huge comeback, led by McEvoy who opened the quarter with 2 quick goals to bridge the gap. But John Kennedy steadied the ship for the Saints with his 3 goals for the term while Alex Walker and Stewart Walker chiming in with goals of their own.
The final quarter was a slog for both teams as they each tried to gain the ascendancy. To their credit, the Cats kept coming and again threatened mid way through the term but the move of Craig Gill to full forward reaped two goals which ended any chance of the Cats win. The icing on the cake for the Saints was a goal from the boundary line late in the game by Alex Walker which broke the back of the Cats.
Tony Halloran goaled right on the full time siren to give him due reward for his efforts during the day.
It wasn't the most attractive of games but both teams should be credited with their physical attack on the ball.
The Saints home 18-20-128 to the Cats 14-11-95
The Inverell Saints will have the bye next week before preparing for their next road trip to tackle to Narrabri Eagles in a fortnight.
Stay tuned to 2NZ this week for news about a promising Inverell Saints player.
By Gerry Taveira
Last Modified on 19/02/2008 20:03