The Inverell Saints will host the New England Nomads this Saturday in a make or break game for both teams. The Saints are desperate to cling onto 2nd spot on the TAFL ladder to give themselves a chance to to host a home semi, whilst the Nomads need to keep the pressure on the Dogs in the race for third on ladder.
The Saints had a good win last week, running over the Swans in the second half over the Swans in Tamworth. The Nomads are coming off a last round loss to the Roos and are desperate to atone this week. The Saints are largely unchanged and on paper have produced one of their strongest sides this year. The loss of star defender Joe Kimmince will be a big loss but the experience of Matt Harrison and Shaun Mansbridge in defense will help counter the loss.
Gary Hadland will start the match at full forward after kicking 5 second half goals the last time these teams met. With Mick Viney and Dave Kent playing in the pocket, the full forward line looks to be one of the most potent running around in the league. Add to this Stewart Walker who was back to his best with 7 goals last week, and the Nomads defense will be stretched to the limit.
The running game of the Nomads has always been a feature of their game and it will be up to Alex Dasey and Fraser Hughes to counter their penetration from the middle. Chris Whitton has been in rare form and the Saints will look to him for more drive along the wing.
The Saints look primed for a good match and will be pumped up to keep the pressure on the Roos. The match starts at 2pm at Varley Oval.
Last Modified on 11/07/2008 10:48