The Inverell Saints have lost their first match in 18 months losing to a determined Gunnedah Bulldogs on Saturday. The match ended in bizarre circumstances, called off at 4.45pm with only 3 quarters of the match completed. Young star Alex Dasey, who was close to best on field, went down late in the third quarter with a neck injury after being hit high in a ground level contest. After an ambulance was called and a lengthy examination, it was decided the Westpac Rescue Helicoptor had to be called to air lift Dasey to Tamworth Hospital for further tests. He was later cleared of any serious injury. It was the second time in the game the Ambulance had to be called after Saint Corey Borthwick was also felled in a tackle that left him with pins and needles down his back and legs. Borthwick was transported to Gunnedah Hospital but was also cleared and released later in the afternoon. These incidents overshadowed the football being played and made the Saints appreciate there is more to life than winning and losing.
The match started at a frantic pace and after some early misses, the Saints found themselves two goals down. The Bulldogs midfield dominated an inexperienced combination for the Saints and only excellent defense by Bruce Wall kept the Saints in the game. The Saints managed to rally and kick three goals on the trot late in the quarter to give themselves a five point buffer at quarter time, however they were clearly not playing their best football. Coach Dick Gleeson stressed the need to work for each other and play the team options during the quarter time break.
The players responded early in the second and started to show dominance around the ground. The injury to Borthwick after 5 minutes of the quarter put a halt on proceedings for around 25 minutes and his injury seemed to inspire the Saints who put on 3 quick goals and looked to have set themselves up for the game, only to let undisciplined play enter their game and allow the Dogs back with a couple in reply. Once again the Saints kicked poorly and had 8 more shots on goal at half time but only a 13 point lead into the main break.
The start of the third carried on from the second with Saints dominating possession but missing several shots on goal. A goal to Gleeson half way through the quarter put them up by 22 and once again the Saints seemed to have the game there for the taking. But 4 consecutive 50m penalties resulted in goals to the Dogs and gave them the lead with 45 seconds left in the quarter. During the lead up to the last of these goals, Dasey received the knock to his head in a crumbing contest and play was once again stopped. After the injury was deemed serious enough to call for the Ambulance, 3 quarter time was called by the umpires which also resulted in the end of the match being called some 40 minutes later, leaving the Dogs one point ahead.
There were plenty of positives to take from the match for the Saints. Chris Whitton had his best game for the club, kicking 2 superb goals and attacking the ball with determination at every chance. Alex Dasey was outstanding through the midfield and despite being hammered at every turn he continued to put his body on the line at every opportunity. Despite being so young, he demonstrates how to be a team player and puts the team ahead of his own safety. Joe Kimmince was also impressive playing out of position in the ruck and Captain Jono Elphick produced his usual high work load around the field.
The Saints now have a week off before returning to Varley to take on the Swans in a fortnight. The effect of this loss could be two-fold; either we let the negative enter our minds and continue to blame others, or we band together, work on our weaknesses and come back stronger than ever. It is up to the players to decide.
Last Modified on 11/05/2008 16:56