TAMWORTH Kangaroos coach Tony Bishop saw in Saturday’s preliminary final win over Inverell some good signs for his side heading into the grand final.
Matt Hodge chases down this ball for the Tamworth Kangaroos during their preliminary final win over Inverell Saints on Saturday. Photo: Gareth Gardner 120915GOF04
The Roos advanced to the decider with a 17.11 113 to 12.4 76 win over the Inverell Saints after a third quarter explosion.
It set up a rematch with reigning premiers New England Nomads for the silverware.
The Roos were outclassed by the Nomads in the major semi-final two weeks ago, but picked up in a few of the areas that let them down then.
For one, against the Nomads they lost the close contests.
On Saturday when they got the opportunity to push forward they did a lot better in those contests.
“And our midfielders learnt how to man up better,” he said.
“If we take that into next week we’ll be a four or five goal better side.”
It was a tight contest for the first half.
There was only a point in it at the first break and still only 10 at half-time.
They then blew the Saints away in the third term kicking eight goals and 50 points.
“We have the ability to score quickly and in short waves,” Bishop said.
“We did it against Armidale last week as well in the third quarter.”
Then they were trying to peg the Nomads back.
On Saturday it pushed them out to a 48 point lead.
Their ball movement was where they got on top.
“We spread the ball and moved it around quickly,” Bishop said.
“When we did that I don’t think they had an answer.”
He found it hard to single out any standouts.
It was one of those days when you look around the 22 and they all played their part.
“Chris Rankmore in the middle had a fantastic day,” Bishop said.
“He’s not the most fashionable footballer but he’s hard and tough.”
Dan Johnson also did a great job on Saints sharp-shooter Chris Whitton up front, while Daniel Leon was good in the middle on Luke Selig. Bishop also gave special mention to Drew Murden.
Source: Northern Daily Leader Tuesday 15th September 2015