The Inverell Saints have bounced back into form with an impressive 53 point victory over the New England Nomads in the Preliminary Final of the Tamworth AFL at Inverell on Saturday. The Saints were given a second chance after losing the Major Semi to the Roos and weren't going to give it away twice in a row, starting fast out of the blocks and controlling the Nomads for most of the match to record the win.
Coach Dick Gleeson asked for more passion and committment from the Saints pre-match and he must have been happy to see the start his team produced. In complete contrast to last week, the Saints began on fire, being hard at the ball and playing an unselfish style of team football. With the forward line firing on all cylinders, the Saints were able to get the jump on the Nomads and never looked back. A seven goal opening by the Saints was helped by tight defending, which limited the Nomads opportunities, and they did well to still be within 5 goals at the first change.
The talk was all about going forward at quarter time, and the Saints continued to do this, winning the ball out of the middle repeatedly, thanks largely to Justin Pay and his outstanding rucking skills. Jono Elphick was doing his usual mountain of work anf Fraser Hughes was in and under every contest. With control of the middle, the job for the forwards was made all the easier, and they continued to pile on the goals, with Mick Viney and Dick Gleeson leading the way. The half time margin was 40 points, and the Saints went into the sheds happy with the improved first half.
Knowing the Nomads were going to come out breathing fire, the Saints managed to weather the early storm and respond with some goals of their own. To their credit, the Nomads fought out the quarter and kicked some late goals to reduce the margin to 35 points at 3 quarter time and set up an exciting final period.
Once they kicked the first, the Nomads well and truly had their tails up, but some great lead up work by Shaun Mansbridge and Mick Corcoran saw the Saints kick the steadier and push the momentum back in their favour. The highlight of the final quarter was undoubtedly seeing Dick Gleeson take a screamer over 2 (or 3 or 4 or 5) Nomads and then step back from 60 and slot it through. His determination on the field was inspirational to the Saints all day and hopefully he will find some run in his legs for another couple of years at least. The final margin of 53 points did not reflect the tenacity both teams showed on the day but a win the Saints will remember for years to come.
Fraser Hughes was once again outstanding as was Jono Elphick. Peter Dunlop had a great day running off the back line and Michael Corcoran proved he has a big future in the game, showing maturity and plenty of guts playing against men many years his senior.
The Saints now have a chance to redeem themselves from the Major Semi defeat and have set up a rematch of last year's epic Grand Final. The rivalry between the teams is growing after each encounter and this one will be no different. There is no tomorrow and the Saints need to take it one inch at a time.
Last Modified on 01/09/2008 14:42