TAMWORTH Kangaroos got the hop on the Tamworth Swans to ensure the Tamworth AFL local derby was done and dusted by quarter- time at No. 1 Oval on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Roos led by 56 points at quarter-time before running out 27.10 172-7.11 53 winners.
While the Roos were winning by 119 points, Moree Suns were bouncing back from a pounding from the Roos to beat Narrabri Eagles by 41 points in Moree.
They also had a good first quarter, posting a 23-point lead at quarter-time before running out 14.14 98 to 8.9 57 winners.
Best for the Eagles were Ciaran McCann, Daren Clark, Dylan Segundo, Kurt Wallace, Michael Leven and Luke McDermott.
In Inverell, the unbeaten Saints kept stride with Nomads when they overcame a “wake-up” call from the Gunnedah Bulldogs to post a good win, kicking 20.21 141 to 10.6 66.
The Bulldogs struck early to boot five goals in the first quarter and stun the home side on Varley Oval, taking a 32-13 lead into the first break.
“It was a big wake-up call for our boys,” coach Dick Gleeson said.
“They (Gunnedah) played some pretty strong stuff in that first quarter and looked pretty good.
“They look a good side and will be very hard to beat at home I’d imagine.”
Saints picked their game up in the final three quarters to run away with the match, kicking five goals in the second term, six in the third and eight in the final quarter.
Twins, Bailey and Brennan Cosgrove as well as Damien Harrison starred for the Saints while Michael Gould and skipper Sam Kimmence also impressed their coach.
In Tamworth, the Roos were also outstanding in the opening term.
“They ran over the top of us in the first quarter,” Swans coach Paul Kelly admitted.
“They were way too good and quick for us.
“Everything we spoke about and practised at training went out the window.
“We were a lot better in the second quarter and had a good talk at half-time and played pretty well the third quarter – slowed it down and played the way we wanted to play.
“But then we just ran out of legs.”
Ian Roberts was a standout for the Swans at fullback while William Priest and Charlie Norton excelled. Stephen Fairless and Sam Burges also played strongly.
Roos coach Tony Bishop was delighted at quarter-time.
‘The game was all over. We led 56-nil,” he said.
“But we didn’t kick on.
“Full credit to the Swans. They fought back and did the best they could.”
The Roos midfielders, Brock Quinn, Daniel Leon and Dean Hoy, dominated and led the way.
The Roos’ forward line functioned brilliantly in the first quarter but then spluttered.
Daniel Overeem finished with seven goals, Matthew Hodge five and Dean Hoy three.
“We did have improved performances from Rhett Graham and Alex Hudson today. They had their best games of the season.”
