Match One: Tamworth Swans v Gunnedah Bulldogs – Washed Out
Match Two: New England Nomads 23.15.153 def Muswellbrook Cats 4.7.31 at Wolseley Oval
The one and only match from the weekend saw the Nomads continue on their merry way with a resounding victory over the Cats in Armidale. The weather all week in the lead up to the match was anything but pleasant, and Armidale turned on it’s finest winter afternoon on Saturday to welcome the Cats. Despite the conditions, the match was played with good skill and endeavour at the footy.
Determined not to be easy beats in this contest, the Cats came out firing from the opening bounce. They did not allow the Nomads an easy passage forward and each contest had to be earned by the home side. The Nomads slowly started to chip away at the Cats defence, and despite missing a couple of gettable goals, the boys from Armidale had opened up 27 point lead at the first change.
The pattern of play was similar in the second stanza. The Nomads were not able to truly put the Cats away who continued to play inspired footy. However, the visitors could not manage to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and their one goal for the quarter was answered with 4 for the Nomads. The half time margin was out to 47 points, but the contest was far from over.
The premiership quarter is when so many matches are decided and this contest was no different. Perhaps kicked into gear by Tom Granleese, the Nomads produced a blistering 25 minutes where they put the game to bed, kicking 8 goals to nil for the quarter. The margin has extended almost to 100 points and the Nomads could afford to cruise to victory.
The final quarter was almost a cruise for the Nomads, with the sting well and truly gone from the contest. The Cats managed another late consolation goal and had a few good opportunities in front of goal late but could not capitalise fully. The final margin was 122 points and the Nomads skipped clear of the chasing bunch a top the TAFL ladder.
For the victors, Jed Ellis-Cluff continued his impressive season with 6 goals in a best a field performance. James Boatfield managed 5 and Grant Elson 3 majors as the Nomad big men had a day out. Riley Connor and Mitchell Evans were also strong for the Nomads. For the Cats, John Mahy was their only multiple goal kicker with 2 and was the Cats best for the day. Brian Martin and Nick Botrill also contributed well.
Match Three: Tamworth Kangaroos v Inverell Saints washed out
Last Modified on 19/06/2013 10:09