The Inverell Saints will take on the Gunnedah Bulldogs this Saturday at Varley Oval. The Dogs are the only team to have defeated the Saints this season, and the boys from Inverell are keen to avenge that loss. The match in Gunnedah was a dark day for the Saints with two players taken to hospital for serious injuries but both Dasey and Borthwick will take their place in the team this week for the Saints.
The Saints have been bolstered by the return of Captain Jason Gobbert from a groin injury and Vice Captain Matt Harrison who has recovered from an eye injury. Both will start the game on Saturday and the depth of the Saints looks much better with them on the field. The Saints also have Chris Pay and Dave Kent returning to the team and will debut young gun Jack Lawton off the bench. Missing will be Mick Viney and Darren Pithers who suffered injuries last week playing for the TAFL side in Wagga. Fraser Hughes is still away with other commitments and the selection panel have decided to rest a couple of young players in Tom Retellack and Mick Corcoran.
The Saints will be looking to their experienced campaigners to stand up and be counted this week. The last time these teams met the Bulldogs were harder at the ball than the Saints and won alot of contested possession. The midfield will need to be first at the ball and Justin Pay will have his hands full in the ruck contesting with Brendon Lemon. The Bulldogs captain Aaron Froud leads the attack at half forward and together with Mark Ewington, forms a formidable attack for the Dogs. Joe Kimmince will start at full back and provide plenty of contests for the forwards. The Saints defense has been rock solid this year, not yet conceding 100 points and having the best defensive record in the league.
The forward line has lost Mick Viney but gains the experience of Gobbert in the goal square, who will work in tandem with Kent. The last time the small forward walked on to Varley, he destroyed the Swans and kicked some beautiful goals. Stewart Walker will be looking to continue his best form this week at half forward and expect to see Sam Kimmince leading out to provide options for the midfield.
The match should be a cracker, with the Saints out for revenge. It starts at 2pm.
Last Modified on 13/06/2008 10:07