For the fourth and final time in a row, the Inverell Saints hit the road, this time to Tamworth to face reigning premiers Kangaroos in Round 11 of the TAFL. The match loomed as a make or break for both teams, the winner staying in touch with top two, the losers facing a tough task to make the finals. The Saints faced the extra burden of playing at Number One Oval, a place where there last 5 trips had been without a win.
The Saints needed a good start, and got the absolute opposite, finding themselves trailing the Roos by more than 5 goals at the first break. Unfortunately, you cannot give a team like the Roos that sort of start, and despite holding their own throughout the next three quarters, the Saints had no chance of pulling in the margin, losing by 44 points. The match was almost a carbon copy of last year's Major Semi, where the Roos were too strong and committed at the ball for the Saints.
Despite the loss, there were some positives to come from the match. Ben Lee was the Saints best in the ruck, which is even more remarkable when you consider he has played less than 10 games of Aussie Rules. Young gun Mick Corcoran was also impressive, continuing his steep rise towards being a star player in this competiton. Peter Heath continued his good form, whilst Mick Viney took the lead in the Gerry Griffith Medal with another 5 goals.
The Saints now have to re group before they take on the Swans at home next weekend. With the Nomads breathing down their necks, it will all hinge on how the Saints respond to such a beating. The Swans have had the wood over the Saints this year, and another loss will make the task of a finals berth very difficult.
Last Modified on 28/07/2009 12:44