The Inverell Saints have crashed to their worst defeat in three seasons on Saturday, outplayed by the Tamworth Kangaroos in the Major Semi Final. It was the first loss for the Saints at home in almost 3 years and their biggest losing margin since the 2006 Prelim Final against the Swans. There are many possible reasons for the Saints worst performance of the season but no excuse can be justify the way the Roos controlled the game and dominated the Saints.
The match didn't start well for the Saints, who were kicking with the aid of a 5 goal breeze, conceding the first goal within 30 seconds of the bounce. From that point, wasted opportunities by the Saints, as well as straight kicking from the Roos saw the Saints go into the quarter time break trailing by 2 points and lucky to be so close.
The second started in identical fashion to the first with the Roos kicking the first within 30 seconds of the the ressumption and didn't look back, piling on 6 unanswered goals for the quarter and completely destroying the will of the Saints. The Roos were winning all contests and were harder at the ball than the Saints, who seemed to be showing rust after 3 weeks without a game.
Kicking with the breeze in the third, the Saints had to make a move and kicked the first 4 goals of the quarter in quick time. However, just as the Saints were looking back in the contest, the Roos finally put it beyond doubt kicking the lat 3 of the quarter and establishing a handy 30 point lead to the final change.
Despite a couple of early goals, the Saints never really challenged the Roos in the final quarter, who cruised to victory by 39 points. The Saints have plenty to think about before next week, and most of the soul searching needs to happen within the ranks. Although it is easy to make excuses, the Saints didn't have the will or the drive to win such a big match, and they have to be switched on and ready to go next week or it will be much of the same.
Shaun Mansbridge was outstanding at full back, limiting the impact of the Roos forwards. Gary Hadland was excellent in the second half when moved to the middle whilst Mick Corcoran had an impressive all round game, playing both in defense and attack.
The Saints will look to regroup for next week and will hopefully welcome back Joe Kimmince and Mick Viney from injury, which will help strengthen them at both ends. The Nomads will be tough opposition and the Saints will need to be at their best if they wish to continue to defend the title of TAFL champions.
Last Modified on 25/08/2008 12:20