The Inverell Saints have kept their minor premiership hopes alive with a comprehensive 65 point victory over the New England Nomads. The match was curcial for both clubs, with the Saints needing to keep in contact with the Roos while the Nomads were looking to stay in the race for third with the Bulldogs.
The Saints entered the game with only two changes but still missing a few first choice players and some players carrying niggling injuries into the game. Kicking into the breeze in the first quarter, the Saints started well and controlled much of the early going. Dave Kent, Mick Viney and Gary Hadland were dangerous at the front and kept the Nomads defense guessing whenever the ball came forward. An early lead was always going to be telling, and the 2 goal buffer heading into the first change was handy for the Saints.
The second quarter saw the Saints take the match by the horns. Kicking with a stiff breeze, the Saints piled on 8 unanswered goals and dominated through the midfield with good delivery to the forwards. Stew Walker started to get on top taking some great marks and some good running from Chris Whitton on the wing helped the Saints to a 10 goal half time lead.
The second half of the match saw the Saints take the foot off the pedal and cruise through to the end of the match. To their credit, the Nomads kept applying the pressure and did not allow the Saints to get away at any time. The final quarter saw some wasteful kicking from the Saints and could have built the lead further, but in the end, the Saints were happy to come away with the 4 points. Once again the Saints defense was impressive and did not allow the Nomads forwards any space to move. Alex Dasey had a great day out and was ably supported by Mick Corcoran and Sam Kimmince. Darren Pithers picked up a shoulder injury and may struggle to come up next match but otherwise it was a positive day for the Saints.
Next week sees another bye before 2 big games which will determine the finals positions. Travelling back to Gunnedah will be big test and then hosting the Roos in a crunch game will show what the Saints are made of.
Last Modified on 13/07/2008 22:56