NEW England Nomads found the Tamworth Kangaroos a much tougher proposition than their recent opponents when the unbeaten Tamworth AFL competition leader hosted the Brett Douglas-coached Roos at Bellevue Oval on Saturday.
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After winging their way to four straight wins and a huge 400-plus percentage, the Nomads were challenged by the Roos and a wet, slippery ground before eking out a 12.10 82 to 9.8 62 victory.
The 20-point win was the closest margin they’ve been held to all season.
Douglas thought it was a “good battle, a real arm wrestle”.
“We pushed them hard but they were able to kick a goal at the end of the first and second quarters and just sneak away a little,” Douglas said.
“They were happy to have a good test after some easy wins.
“But they are beatable.”
Nomad ruckman Tom Hunt was one of his side’s stars, dominating the ruck, especially in the third quarter.
The Roos also had some good performers, with Matthew Hodge, Daniel Leon, Nick Frawley and Daniel Johnson leading the way.
Ryan Painter also did well against Hunt in the ruck at times.
In Tamworth, the Swans and Gunnedah Bulldogs were both chasing their first win of the new season.
The Bulldogs came out on top though, winning by seven points in a close game, booting 9.9 63 to the Swans’ 8.8 56.
Matt Lather kicked three goals for the Bulldogs, with Andrew George notching two goals.
Swans veteran Gavin Knee also kicked three for the home side, with Tom Byrnes and Chris Wilson also kicking two.
Steve Fairless, Damien Wendt, Janson Doughty, Dean Finlay and Nathan Bradburn had strong games for the Swans while George, Lather, Troy Sands, James Mack, Luke Curgenven, Al Hillard and Andy Mack all had big games for the John Woolaston-coached Bulldogs.
Inverell Saints swept to a big win in their TAFL clash against Narrabri Eagles at Varley Oval, yesterday.
Played in front of a big crowd, the Saints kicked 19.17 131 to the Eagles’ 3.7 35.
