Nomads defy the odds
By Siobhan McCarthy (Armidale Express, 24/04/2013)
The New England Nomads may have scraped together a team at the last minute to take on the Inverell Saints, but that didn’t stop the side from claiming their second win for the season.
The Nomads prevailed 8.21 (69) to 8.10 (58) despite the club’s president saying his side was vastly undermanned.
“We counted in excess of 20 players unavailable and even this silly old bugger had to come out of retirement,” he said. “We had some inexperienced players but the guys applied themselves exceptionally well and we were delighted to get the four points”.
Despite the Nomads’ victory, Page said the Saints held the home side under pressure for four quarters.
“It was a low scoring game and it was a pressure contest all day,” he said.
“Both sides had a red hot go.
“We got the ball into our forward line and managed to sneak away with hard fought win.”
Page said despite his club’s depth of players they were wary of battling the Saints.
“They are a bit like our arch nemesis, they are just a good team,” he said.
“They never play a bad game of footy and they are one of the hardest teams to beat.”
Page said the Nomads turned to their older heads to lead the charge.
“Benjamin Julian and Dave Graan shone on the day and both had really strong games,” he said.
“But the likes of Toby Marchart and Adam Parish, who were punching above their weight, both had good performances.
“To come away with the win against those odds was brilliant.”
While side’s coach Tom Granleese admitted before the start of the season defending their titles, Page said he is hoping his side will only get better as the season goes on.
“We have a lot of cohesion…and it would be great to be able get into the finals,” he said.
“It was only the second game so it was always going to be a bit scrappy.
“We will get better and better as the season comes along and hopefully we can build the momentum, throughout the season.”
The Nomads will now turn their attention to their round three match against the Muswellbrook Cats.
The Armidale side will play host to the Cats at 2pm at Bellevue Oval.
Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Express
Round 2 2013
| Nomads def. Saints | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | B | P | G | B | P | ||
| Q1 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 21 | |
| HT | 4 | 13 | 37 | 5 | 4 | 34 | |
| Q3 | 7 | 16 | 58 | 7 | 7 | 49 | |
| FT | 8 | 21 | 69 | 8 | 10 | 58 | |
Team:
- C. Ballagh,
- J. Boatfield,
- V. Chakalisa,
- A. Cruickshank,
- D. Davies,
- S. Dickson,
- T. Duroux,
- Z. Economou,
- J. Ellis-Cluff,
- G. Elson,
- M. Evans,
- D. Graan,
- W. Hall,
- B. Julien,
- N. Lambie,
- T. Machart,
- H. Morrell,
- B. Page,
- A. Parish,
- D. Richards,
- O. Temoso.
Goalscorers:
- J. Ellis-Cluff (3),
- D. Graan (2),
- B. Page,
- G. Elson,
- J. Boatfield.
Award winners:
- B. Julien (Players' Player),
- W. Hall (Coach's),
- G. Elson (President's),
- T. Machart (Captain's),
- H. Morrell (VC's).
