The Inverell Saints will host the Gunnedah Bulldogs this Saturday in Round 4 of the CETAFL at Varley Oval. The Saints broke their duck for 2009 last weekend and will be looking for another improved performance against the highly fancied Bulldogs. The boys from Gunnedah fell to their first loss of 2009 last start against the Swans, and will be keen to get back in the winner's circle this time around.
The Saints enter the match with another glut of changes. Out go Darren Pithers, Ben Lee, Dick Gleeson and Tom Retallack to injury, but the Saints will welcome Sam Kimmince in for his first start of 09. Of particular concern for Coach Darren Bailey is the growing injury list for the Saints, and the squad's depth will be tested this weekend. The side will be looking for another dominant display from recruit Peter Heath, who has been a star in his time at Inverell so far. He will start in the ruck again this week and will be a big factor in the Saints performance. The Saints backline looks very strong, led by co captain Matt Harrison. With Joe Kimmince joining his brother Sam, along with the drive of Shaun Mansbridge, the Bulldog forwards will need to be at their best to get through the stern defense.
Dan Corcoran will get his chance to start on the ball this weekend after proving to be a big ball winner when moved in the middle last weekend. Alex Dasey will also be keen to replicate his great form from last week, and with Tom Williams will provide the run on the wide expanse of Varley to provide to the forward line.
The match was billed pre season as one of the biggest for the Saints all year, and although circumstances may be different to first thought, it could well make or break the year for the Saints. It will be very hard to get back from a 1 and 3 start, and all the good work of last week's win will be for nothing if the Saints don't turn up for the contest this time around.
Last Modified on 22/05/2009 11:23