The Inverell Saints have made it 4 wins on the trot with a gritty 2 point victory over reigning premiers Tamworth Kangaroos at Varley Oval on Saturday. The Saints made hard work of the victory, with discipline threatening to derail the charge late in the game, but held off the fast finishing Roos to record their first victory over the boys from Tamworth in 3 attempts.
The match started in ideal conditions for footy, with a cool breeze providing a 3 goal advantage to the Roos in the first quarter. Despite this, the Saints kicked one of the fastest goals in TAFL history, just 11 seconds into the match. However, as the quarter wore on, the Roos took control of the flow of the game, and the Saints found themselves chasing the tails of a more energetic Roos outfit. Too often the Saints were behind their man to the ball, and lacked intensity in and around the packs. The margin at the first change was less than 4 goals, but could have been much worse for the Saints.
Coach Darren Bailey gave the team a good old fashioned spray at the quarter time huddle and it seemed to be effective. The Saints, with the aid of the breeze, took back control of the game, and kept the Roos scoreless for the first 15 minutes of the quarter to gain back the lead. It was a true turn around from the first, with the Saints seemingly hungrier for the ball and they cashed in, taking a slender lead into half time.
The premiership quarter was when the game was there to be won, with the wind starting to die, whichever team took the game head on was going a long way towards winning the battle. It was Saints who struck first, and opened up a nice 2 goal buffer that saw have control over the Roos, who were struggling to have impact in the forward line. The run of the Saints became evident, and with good ball movement, set themselves up for quality ball into the forward line. After a couple of misses, a late goal in the quarter gave them a handy lead heading into the last change.
The final quarter started at a ferocious pace, with both teams throwing themselves into the contest. The Saints backline once again held firm, keeping the Roos scoreless until well into the last, whilst increasing the margin to 20 points. However an off the ball incident, followed by another, gifted the Roos two easy goals and a sniff of victory. A third in short time saw the margin reduced to just 2, and when a soccered effort appeared to go through, it looked like curtains for the Saints. However, the width of the post pads saved the Saints, with the goal umpire indicating the ball had struck the post to the relief of the Saints fans. After taking the ball to the other end, it was the Saints turn to think they had sealed the win when the ball was dribbled through, only to see the umpire award a touched ball. However, the final siren sounded just at the right time for the Saints, leaving them 2 points to the good and still within touch of the top of the ladder.
The win leaves the Saints second on points, dropping back to third on percentage after the Bulldogs smashed the Cats. It keeps them in touch with the Swans, who they host next weekend, in another '8 point game'. The Swans are sailing high after 5 straight wins, and will be keen to continue that form against the Saints this weekend, especially after the thumping they gave last time around. This is a different Saints team however, who seem to have found some belief back and are starting to play together as a team.
A quick reminder about the annual Vinnies Ball which will be held this Saturday night after the game with the Swans. Tickets are $25 if purchased prior to Saturday at Country an Working Gear or Anderson's Carpets, or $30 at the door. The only requirements are that you come dressed in something purchased at a charity store and that you a dressed as something or someone starting with the first letter of your name. A big thanks to the Social Committee for organising this.
Last Modified on 15/06/2009 09:40