INVERELL Saints warmed up for a huge home clash with Tamworth Kangaroos at Varley Oval by over-running Gunnedah Bulldogs early in Saturday’s 122-point demolition.
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The Bulldogs arrived in Inverell low in numbers and were hammered early, the Saints kicking 5.5 35 in the first quarter to set up a 21-point lead and then follow with another seven goals in the second quarter for a 61-point half-time lead.
They followed up with five and six- goal quarters to overwhelm the Bulldogs, with new recruit Ryan Woolley kicking another five goals for the home side.
“He’s been a great find for us,” captain-coach Hayden Chappel said.
“That was his second bag of goals but his big test will come next week against the Roos.
“It will be a tough gig against Reesy (Roos star Brad Rees).
“But it was a good win for us.
“We’re getting back to full strength – we only had a couple out yesterday.”
He said the return of Corey Borthwick has been a bonus.
“He had a big game in the middle. And Mick Corcoran was great off the half back flank, floating around popping up everywhere.
“Chris Schneider also ran hard all day.”
Andrew George, Al Hillard, Luke Curgenven, Damien Baldwin, Paul Jones and Andrew Swain were best for a below-strength Bulldogs.
At Narrabri, the New England Nomads also struck early to deliver a 77-point thrashing of the Eagles.
They kicked 8.4 52 to 1.17 in the first quarter to take full control.
The Eagles did fight back, with Todd Fagan kicking six goals and Michael Miskle two but were no match for the reigning premiers.
The Tamworth Roos-Tamworth Swans clash at No 1 Oval was washed out again.