The Inverell Saints face their biggest challenge in 12 months tomorrow when they contest the TAFL Preliminary Final against the New England Nomads. The Saints face the proposition of being eliminated from the finals race with a whimper rather than a bang is a daunting one, but the Saints will need to improve on last week's performance to avoid such a scenario.
They enter the match with 3 changes. Joe Kimmince will be welcomed back from a collarbone injury and will add crucial spine to the backline. Mick Viney will also be back after missing a week and his experience will be welcome to the forward line. James Williams has recovered from the flu and will add plenty of run to the backline. The Saints have found themselves in the difficult position this week of digging for fit players, but the team on paper is one of plenty of experience and talent.
The Nomads will be tough opposition, especially considering their tough win last week over the Bulldogs. They are a young running team and the Saints have always found their enthusiasm for the ball tough to compete against. They have talented players all over the field and their skills when moving the ball are close to the best in the league.
The Saints will once again look to its stars this week. Captain Jono Elphick has had an amazing year and his improvement in the game has been nothing short of exceptional. Fraser Hughes is also crucial to the Saints crumbing game, with his ability to get in and under unrivalled in the TAFL. Shaun Mansbrigde will start at full back and he has the assurity of disposal to propel the Saints into attack from any part of the field and Justin Pay will once again shoulder much of the rucking duties in what can only be described as an excellent debut year.
The Saints have plenty going against them this weekend, but their fighting spirit will mean the game will be close. Better discipline and smarter football is the key, and if they can turn these around, they will be right in this contest.
Last Modified on 29/08/2008 08:50