NEW England Nomads continued their unbeaten start to the Tamworth AFL season by beating Gunnedah Bulldogs by 106 points at Wolseley Park, Gunnedah on Sunday.
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The Nomads kicked 23.21 159 to the Bulldogs’ 7.11 53 to make it four wins in succession before this weekend’s bye and then a match-up with fellow competition leaders Inverell Saints.
Jed Ellis-Cluff, the young Nomads captain-coach, was one of his side’s best and delighted with the victory away from home after their previous win also netted a 100-plus win over Tamworth Swans in Tamworth.
Ellis-Cluff was one of the Nomads’ best while Joel Howell kicked three of the seven Bulldog goals for the home side and Andy Mack, Brad Jenkinson, Peter Chapman, John Woolaston, Scott Hardy and Patrick Higgins all starred for the Bulldogs.
The Nomads shared the goals around, Ellis-Cluff said.
“Tom Hunt kicked a few, I got a few, Dave Richas, Cameron Graham and Clarence Parker got a few too – it was a good spread.”
While big winners, Ellis-Cluff said the game was much closer than it appeared.
“The score wasn’t reflective of the game – it felt a lot closer out on the ground.
“They won the third quarter but we were a lot better in the final quarter and kicked away.
“They have a good side and will be thereabouts at the end.
“It was enjoyable playing them – good, tough football.”
He thought Tim Keys had an outstanding debut in the ruck, with Hamish Pearce, Velanie Chakelisa, Mitch Darton and Tom Hunt impressing.
“Tom was very good for us at full forward,” Ellis-Cluff said.
“He was jumping against two and three defenders all game.”
The other two TAFL games were also lopsided affairs as well, with Tamworth Kangaroos beating Moree Suns by 144 points in Tamworth and the Inverell Saints in scintillating form to kick 31.30 216 against the Narrabri Eagles’ 2.2 14 at Varley Oval.
Inverell plays Gunnedah this Saturday before tackling the Nomads and are preparing for a huge sixth round match in Armidale.
The Nomads and Saints have featured in seven of the last eight grand finals, although the Nomads have run out winners for the past four seasons straight.
“We’re looking forward to that game,” Ellis-Cluff added.
“They (Saints) are flying.”
