The Inverell Saints suffered their second loss for the year on Saturday at Number One Oval to the Tamworth Kangaroos. The match was billed as the top of table clash and did not disappoint in front of a good crowd. Both teams entered the game full of confidence and knowing that a win would be a big advantage heading into the last round of matches.
The Saints started the match kicking with the breeze and were quick out of the blocks. They opened up a handy 10 point lead early and were looking dangerous in attack with Mick Viney and Jason Gobbert being prominent. The Roos at the other end were being wasteful in front of goals and could have led heading into the first break, but it was the Saints who held a slender lead to the first huddle.
The second quarter saw the Roos take control over the match. They started to kick truly and out played the Saints midfield with much more run and better delivery into the forward line. In contrast, when the Saints had the ball they were being rushed into quick decisions when disposing and were missing targets. The Saints defense did well to hold out for most of the quarter and kept the team in the game trailing by only 3 goals at the long break. It was a passionate speech delivered by Dick Gleeson in the sheds at half time, disappointed not by effort, but a failure to follow the team plan.
Back with the breeze in the third, the Saints rallied and started to gain the ascendancy. The midfield, being led by Fraser Hughes, were getting to the ball first and for the first time all day had time for quality disposals. Viney kicked a couple of beauties in the quarter, followed by an inspirational effort on the ball by Sam Kimmince lifted the Saints to a slender three quarter lead. Gleeson implored his team to stay on task in the break and not to panic if they fell behind.
The Roos then started the last in blistering form. They kicked the first three with the breeze and looked to have buried the Saints. Maybe sensing the game was over, they took their foot off the pedal and allowed the Saints a chance to get back into the game.. Goals to Viney and Justin Pay saw the Saints back within 3 points of the Roos. Unfortunately, a Joe Kimmince snapped what would have been the winning goal, the siren sounded to end to courageous come back and earn the Roos their first win over the Saints in a couple of seasons.
Hughes was easily the Saints best, along with Viney who ended with 6 goals. Shaun Mansbridge was also good marking a player much bigger than himself and lead the defense well. When moved into the centre in the last he was first to the ball at every stoppage and almost carried the Saints home. Sam Kimmince was also very good in defense, providing run and drive to the midfield.
The Saints will now host the Cats next week in what has become a must win in the run home to the finals. All players will need to be at their best in the last 6 weeks of this competition if we are going to snatch back top spot on the ladder.
On a sad note, Coach Dick Gleeson and Captain Jason Gobbert have decided to hang up their boots for good. Both players have been fantastic influences around the club and will be sorely missed. Stay tuned later in the week for tributes to both players.
Last Modified on 24/06/2008 11:20