The Inverell Saints have got their defense of the EETAFL title off to a great start with a convincing 99 point victory over the much improved Muswellbrook Cats. The final scoreline was not a true reflection of the closeness of the match, but the Saints will take the 4 points all the same and take an early spot on top the TAFL ladder.
The match started as a real arm wrestle, with the Saints kicking the first of the game but unable to take total control across the field. When the Cats answered back on the 10 minute mark, the match was evenly poised. The Saints received an early blow with Joe Kimmince forced off with a shoulder injury, but gained the ascendancy late in the quarter, kicking 5 unanswered goals and take a 32 point lead into the first change.
The second quarter saw much of the same as every contest was fiercely fought across the ground, with an easy kick impossible to come across. The Cats showed again they were not going to lay down. kicking a couple of quick goals to start the quarter before the Saints had a chance to settle from the break to cut the margin to 20 points before the Saints again got control of the game, piling on the next 6 goals and take a handy 62 point buffer into the long break.
The third quarter was a tough affair for both teams, with tough hard footy being the only way. The highlight of the quarter was 15 year old recruit Hamish Bird kicking his first goal in AFL, but the low light was certainly seeing Tom Williams being stretchered off with a serious knee injury. He had had a huge influence on the game to that point, and the Saints certainly wish him well in what will be a lengthly recovery.
The final quarter saw the Saints continue to stretch their lead, playing to the final siren despite having only 1 player left on the bench. The final 99 point margin was not a true reflection of what had been a great battle. The Cats will be a huge threat to all teams this year, and under coach Bryce O'Connor they have a winning formula.
The Saints were best served by Russell Brien who kicked 6 in a best on ground performance. Corey Borthwick and Bruce Wall were outstanding in the backline, whilst fellow new recruits Charlie McShane, Matt Lane and Brendan Simpson were influential. Justin Pay had his usual strong game in the ruck but the evenness of the side was the Saints strength.
Last Modified on 03/05/2011 20:52