The Inverell Saints have failed in their bid to go back to back in the TAFL after a heart breaking loss to the Tamworth Kangaroos at Number One Oval on Saturday. The Saints put in a huge effort and halfway through the last quarter looked to have the game there for the taking, but unlike last year, the ball didnt quite bounce the way of the Saints and the Roos took full advantage.
The match started at the pace one would expect from a Grand Final and both teams displayed great skill and desire for the footy. With the weather looking ominous, straight kicking and making the most of opportunities was always going to be important. The Saints midfield run throughout the entire game was excellent, particularly from Chris Whitton and Tom Williams who were carving up on the wing. But for all there work, the Saints found themselves slipping behind the Roos and midway through the second quarter the sign were looking dangerous for the Saints trailing by 5 goals and down a player due to the sending off of Stewart Walker.
Heading into the sheds, the Saints had to stay positive, and upon the resumption, came out more committed and managed to put some goals on the board, only to have the Roos respond each time. The turning point for the Saints was the introduction of Joe Kimmince into the ruck, who was playing like a man possessed and continually getting the ball out of the centre to give first use to the rovers. The Saints finished the quarter the best, and found themselves only 5 points down heading into the last and with all the momentum behind them.
The last quarter was eerily similar to last year's game in that the chaser, this time the Saints, hit the front early in the last quarter. The Saints kicked another to have a 12 point lead midway through the last, and those watching had the feeling at that point the next goal would probably win the game. For the Saints it meant a handy buffer, for the Roos, it was the stop to flood and a chance to take the wind back out the Saint's sails.
It would be the Roos who would kick that vital goal and with sustained pressure managed the equaliser with 5 minutes left to play. A free kick giving away at the bounce followed by an undisciplined 50 gifted the lead goal to the Roos who never looked back, kicking a late one to seal a great win.
The Saints, while dejected, should be proud of the fighting spirit showed on the day and those who continue to play on next year should take the passion into next season. After two successful seasons, it will be tough for the Saints to stay up next year but hopefully all the players will find enough run in the legs for another tilt at the title next year.
Last Modified on 08/09/2008 09:04