Inverell Saints extended their perfect start to the AFL North West NSW season with a 115-point victory against Tamworth Swans on Saturday.
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Saints spearhead Michael Gould bagged 10 majors as his side scored an emphatic 23.11 (149) to 5.4 (34) win at Tamworth No.1 Oval.
Inverell controlled proceedings from the get-go and were dominant through the midfield as Bailey Gardner and Troy Hill knocked up winning kicks.
The Saints kept the home side goalless through the first-half on the way to a 48-point lead at the main break.
Despite the best efforts of James Dunston, William Priest and Nathan Bradburn in defence and the evergreen Dean Finlay, the Swans struggled to make in-roads.
Stuart Blair capped his first game in the red and white with a drought-breaking goal in the third quarter, but it was only temporary relief as Inverell extended their lead.
Eight different Saints hit the scoreboard, including the busy Anthony Pages, Darren Pithers and Jason Gobbert.
Inverell booted 15 goals to five in the second-half, including a late major to former NRL try-scoring ace turned Saints goal-sneak Nathan Blacklock.
The magnitude of the win certainly boosted Inverell’s percentage, which now stands at 263.85.
Moree Suns celebrated their first win of the season courtesy of a commanding 66-point triumph against Narrabri Eagles at Taylor Oval.
The Suns, in their third season in the competition, impressed from go to whoa on the way to the memorable 18.18 (126) to 9.6 (60) victory.
Gunnedah dished out a 124-point drubbing to Tamworth Kangaroos at Wolseley Oval.
In their most devastating display of the season so far, the Bulldogs powered to a 23.21 (159) to 5.5 (35) win against last year’s losing grand finals.
The Roos could not muster a goal in the first-half and by that stage, Gunnedah had skipped out to a 74-point lead.
Ruckman Al Hillard, Oliver Neader and former QAFL player Jacob Spackman were among the stars for the Dogs.
Mitch Swain led the way with five goals, while Spackman, Greg Piggott and Ben Maher each slotted four majors.
On a tough day for the Roos, Rhett Graham, Charles Bickersteth and Jamie Williams battled hard.