A new look Inverell Saints outfit have accounted for the Tamworth Swans at No1 Oval on Saturday.
Missing a handful of senior players, the Saints blooded two young players, Lachie Martin and Scott Thomas, who both impressed on debut.
The opening stanza was even with both sides going in hard for the ball before the Saints started to impose themselves late in the quarter to open up an 18 point lead at the first break.
The visitors continued to press hard in the second term kicking six goals to two for the term with Ben Gregory looming dangerous around the forward line. A frustrated Toby Tollis was yellow carded for a lifting tackle just prior to half time.
The Swans continued to be physical around the ball in the third term but could not build sufficient scoreboard pressure on the Saints with defenders Sam Kimmince and Beau Coles continuing their fine seasons, restricting many Swans forward thrusts. Bailey Gardener, Hayden Chappel & Luke Selig set up many scoring opportunities for the Saints and this proved to be the difference between the two teams.
The forward line of Ryan Woolley, Ben Gregory and Hayden Chappel looked lively at times during the game and may be something the Coach could persist with going forward
Josh Desborough impressed around the ground while Lachie Martin was a reliable leading forward during the second half booting two goals.
On a sour note, Toby Tollis went down with a knee injury during the last term but he believes it is not as serious as first thought.
The Saints now set their sights on reigning premier New England Nomads. A win against their arch nemises at Varley Oval this Saturday will secure a home final for the Saints.
INVERELL SAINTS
Goal Kickers: B. Gardner 5, B. Gregory 5, L. Martin 2, L. Selig 2, R. Woolley 2, H. Chappel 2, K. Payne 2, J. Desborough-Graham, B. Ellis, D. Pithers
Best Players: B. Gardner, L. Selig, J. Desborough-Graham, H. Chappel, D. Pithers, K. Payne
Earlier in the day, The Saints Juniors whalloped the Tamworth Roosters to the tune of 196 points.
Cam Sparke-Gaukroger led the way with seven goals while Lachie Martin booted five goals. Josh Desborough was best on ground for the Saints with his clean ball skills while newcomer Johnny Karuna amazed spectators with his skill, speed and agility on debut.
The game was all but over at quarter time with the visitors booting thirteen unanswered goals.
INVERELL SAINTS
Goal Kickers: C. Sparke-Gaukroger 7, L. Martin 5, J. Quirona 4, J. Desborough-Graham 3, S. Thomas 3, H. Moffitt 2, W. Mclachlan 2, X. Gobbert, D. Whitton, B. Cox, M. Blakey, C. McGillivray-Hartley
Best Players: L. Martin, J. Desborough-Graham, H. Moffitt, S. Thomas, J. Quirona, C. Sparke-Gaukroger
Last Modified on 30/07/2017 12:58