Windy win for Nomads
From the Armidale Independent, 15/08/2007
Last weekend the New England Nomads struggled to overcome an under-strength Gunnedah Bulldogs at a breezy Bellevue Oval, but eventually won the game 14.12 (96) to 11.6 (72).
Club president Ben Page said New England lacked cohesion throughout the game, with poor decision-making and little movement.
While avoiding excuses, Page said the Nomads have found it difficult to play a regular team due to injury and disruptions to the season.
“I can see that it is affecting the team as we find it hard to get our running game going,” he said.
Trailing by a point at half time, the Nomads kicked a couple of early goals in the third quarter and appeared to be starting to click.
They finally took control in the fourth quarter, a good start giving them a four goal cushion that was sufficient to see them home. Page praised the work of solid players such as Rich Malone and Hamish Robertson for getting the Nomads over the line.
“David MacLellan and Clint Ballagh were very strong in the backline and just pummelled their full forward,” he said
MacLellan received the Players’ Player award for his effort in closing down the Bulldogs’ forward push.
Lead goal scorer for the Nomads was captain Glen Northway. Northway was pushed out of his normal position in centre halfback into full-forward and scored four goals. Other goalscorers were Rich Malone (3), Matt Bouffler (2), Adrian Walsh (2), Hamish Robertson, Anthony Reid and Matt Maxwell.
The Nomads are sitting comfortably in third place on the Tamworth Australian Football League ladder, just behind Inverell Saints in first and Muswellbrook Cats in second. On Saturday they will face an undefeated Inverell side at Bellevue Oval, Armidale.
“We need to get the same team on the paddock for the next few games if we are going to make an impact in the finals series,” Page said.
Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Independent
