The Inverell Saints
have started of the 2009 Country Energy Tamworth AFL with a narrow 11pt loss to
rivals Tamworth Kangaroos. A
replay of the 2007 and 2008 Grand Final saw the teams play out a now customary
hard fought battle, with the Kangaroos coming out on top for the third
consecutive time over the Saints.
The match started in
blustery conditions and the Saints made full use of the breeze in the first
quarter to open up a 2 goal advantage at quarter time. This was due largely to a 3 goal first
quarter to co-captain Chris Whitton who was provided plenty of run off the half
forward flank. The Saints were a
little wasteful in front of goal, missing a couple of opportunities, but the
mood was good in the Saints huddle at the first change.
The second quarter
started positively for the Saints with Whitton snaring his fourth and the
margin moving to 17 points within minutes of the resumption. It was then the match turned into an
arm wrestle, with both teamsâ defence holding firm and the midfield battle intensified
with no inches given. It was a
goal to Roos sharp shooter Dan Overeem that changed the complexion of the game,
with the Tamworth side going on a 10 minute frenzy that involved 11 unanswered
scoring shots, 6 of which being goals.
It was a ruthless attack, and the Saints found themselves 22 points down
headed into the long break.
The first goal of the
third quarter went to the Kangaroos, and the match looked like becoming a
boilover until the Saints responded in style. Jack Lawton was moved onto Kangaroos danger man Tim Cotter
and took him completely out of the game, and in quick succession the Saints
booted 3 goals to give themselves a sniff again. Going into the last change the Saints had all the momentum
but still trailed by 10 points.
The last quarter was a
typical battle between the two teams.
The teams traded goals, with neither able to take a firm hold on the
flow of the game. Just as it looked
as if the Saints could make a charge, they were held out by the Roos. With less than 5 minutes left on the
clock the Saints had reduced the margin the 4 points and looked to be coming
home, but a late goal to the Roos all but sealed the win and the vital 4
premiership points.
The Saints were led
superbly out of the ruck by Joe Kimmince, who was providing first use of the
ball to his rovers, whilst the job of Lawton to tag Cotter almost turned the
match the way of the Saints.
Whitton was also impressive, finishing with 5 goals, whilst new recruit
Beau Ryan showed plenty of promise.
The Saints will now have a week off, and return to Tamworth in a
fortnight to take on the Swans.
Final Score â Tamworth
Kangaroos 14.15.99
Def
Inverell
Saints 13.10.88
Last Modified on 27/04/2009 11:01