The undefeated Inverell Saints travel to Gunnedah this Saturday to take on the Bulldogs at Wolesley Park. The Saints have traditionally struggled at Gunnedah, finding the Bulldogs to be a tough test at their home ground. The Bulldogs have had an up and down season, destroying the Cats in Round 1 which many pundits thought might be the start of a successful campaign. They have since lost 3 on the trot and will find the Saints a tough ask this Saturday.
The Saints enter the game relatively unchanged compared to recent weeks. 4 forced changes have been made to the team, with Sam Kimmince and Darren and Kye Bailey away with work commitments. Mick Viney will also be missing due to a work related ankle injury through the week. The Saints will gain the services of Stew Walker who returns from suspension, and Shaun Mansbridge, Corey Borthwick and Nathan Cox who all missed the trip to Muswellbrook last week. While the experience of Walker will be a huge plus, losing one of the leagues best goal kickers in Viney and the up and coming talent of Kimmince has upset the balance of the line up. Joe Kimmince will step up to the rucking duties and Justin Pay will continue on his development as a footballer playing in the goal square. The midfield which ran the Cats around last week remains mostly the same, with the two Als, Walker and Dasey, provided plenty of pace through the middle. The backline, which has conceded the fewest points in the league, will be strengthened by the return on Borthwick, has pace and skill to burn. Led by the general Bruce Wall, the Bulldog forwards will need to make sure their opponents are kept in check on the rebound.
The Saints will be looking to finish Round 1 with a win, and if they continue on where they left off last week, that should happen. A solid hit-out leading into the rep game next week is just what the team needs and Gunnedah will certainly provide that. With the return of several senior players expected within the next month, many players are fighting for their spots in the team, so easing off should not be an issue.
All players are reminded to meet at the Royal by 9.15am. The bus will leave promptly at 9.30am.
Last Modified on 09/05/2008 11:42