The Inverell Saints have started their defence of the Tamworth AFL title with a convincing 63 point win over the Tamworth Swans at Number 1 Oval in Tamworth. The Saints entered the game minus 8 players from last year's Grand Final winning squad, but proved too strong for the young Swans team.
The Saints were led by superb performances from Gary Hadland, Alex Walker and the greatly improved Corey Borthwick. Borthwick's game was all the more impressive when you consider this is just the start of his second year of AFL and testament to his dedication and committment to improving his game.
Mick Viney led the Saints attack kicking 4 goals, supported by 3 from Stew Walker and 2 each to Dick Gleeson, Alex Dasey and Gary Hadland. The Saints depth could be further tested however, with a serious finger injury to Alex Dasey liekly to rule him out for a few weeks and Stew Walker reported late in the game for dissent. With Matt Harrison still out and the return of Captain Jason Gobbert still some weeks away, some younger players will have the chance to stand up and be considered for selection for the Saints first home game of the year against the Nomads this Saturday.
Saints 5-8-38 10-11-71 15-12-102 19-18-132
Swans 2-3-15 3-5-23 6-8-44 10-9-69
Goals, Mick Viney 4, Stew Walker 3, Gary Hadland 2, Alex Dasey 2, Dick Gleeson 2, Sam Kimmince 1, Darren Pithers 1, Alex Walker 1,
Fraser Hughes 1, Corey Borthwick 1, Mick Corcoran 1.
Best, Gary Hadland, Corey Borthwick, Alex Walker, Jono Elphick, Darren Pithers, Mick Corcoran
Last Modified on 13/04/2008 13:50