An insipid Inverell Saints were embarrassed at home on Saturday, going down to a determined Gunnedah Bulldogs outfit by 15 points at Varley Oval.
The loss now jeopardises the Saint's hold on second spot on the Tamworth AFL with the Tamworth Kangaroos and Gunnedah Bulldogs breathing down their necks.
The Saints lacked spirit and enthusiam from the outset as the Bulldogs stepped up their pressure, setting up the upset win in the second term kicking six goals to two.
Damon Harrison and Anthony Pages tried hard to get the Saints back into the game in the third term but once again scoring opportunities were squandered.
Ruckman Tom McGregor dominated in the ruck while Chris Whitton was the only dangerous forward kicking four goals for the afternoon.
The Saints piled on the pressure to the last term but poor skills and an inability to hit targets ruined any chance the Saints had to win the contest.
Former Saint Dave Vidovic played his 100th game for the Bulldogs as the visitors had the last laugh to throw a spanner into the Saints preparation for the finals.
The Saints will host the Tamworth Kangaroos this Saturday in a match to determine who snatches second spot on the TAFL Ladder and a double chance during the finals series.
Saints will be without Captain Sam Kimmince, Justin Pay and possibly Mike Gould but should regain Kieran Te Velde for the important clash.
Goal Kickers: C. Whitton 4, M. Corcoran 2, M. Gould 2, T. Tollis, D. Baldwin
Best Players: D. Harrison, T. McGregor, T. Williams, M. Gould, T. Desborough, J. Putt
Last Modified on 31/07/2016 19:47