The Tamworth Roosters under-14s crowed their way into the AFL North West finals with a 51 point win over Inverell at No.1 Oval on Saturday.
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The Roosters overpowered the Saints 12.8 (80) to 4.5 (29) in their final round clash to make it four in-a-row and warm-up for their major semi-final showdown with the table-topping Gunnedah Bulldogs.
They again played well together, which was reflected on the scoreboard with seven different goal scorers.
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Anna George, Ash Collins and Brielle Jefferies-Tapper showed what they could contribute with Jefferies-Tapper and Collins both kicking a goal. Brody Kelly and Liam Bramley were strong through the centre and back, supported well by the Hagon brothers Ned and Harry, whilst Tom Aikten created the leads in the forward line.
Keith Ryan and Charlie McKenzie had a number of disposals and Mason Heywood again shone in his best game so far.
Josh Vallender and Harry Hagon were also both pivotal before backing up with strong performances for the under-17s.
After the previous week's loss to the Saints, the Roosters were keen to make amends and came out firing in the first quarter.
Making his return from injury Bill Tydd made an immediate difference playing at centre half-back with Kyle Snape.
Jake Cosgrove excited the crowd with a contender for mark of the year and Tommy Hyslop didn't shy away from the contest as they took a 16 point lead into the first break.
Inverell rallied in the second quarter but the Roosters managed to still hold the advantage at half-time.
But by the final break the Saints had taken control, kicking seven unanswered goals for a 43 point lead.
The Roosters again though showed their determination in the fourth kicking six goals. However it was not quite enough to reverse the deficit of the third as the Saints went on to win 17.13 (115) to 15.9 (99).
"They (Inverell) are good runners who can read the ball well, run with it and then deliver it to a target up front. They are playing good footy," commented Jon Dadd, father of the Roosters ruckman Jack.
The two are set to do it all again this Saturday in the major semi-final, which will be in Inverell.
Roosters coach Greg Vallender was really proud of how both teams played with both teams playing for each other. Both finished the regular season second in their respective competitions.
