Nomads show form in Cup
Three wins and second place
by Michael Morrisey (Armidale Express, 03/04/2006)
The New England Nomads used Saturday’s Tablelands Cup to reassert themselves as one of the forces to be reckoned with in the Tamworth Australian Rules competition.
The Nomads ran second in the cup behind the Tamworth Kangaroos, the first step towards making amends for last year’s disappointing season.
New England managed to beat three out of the four teams in the competition and only just missed out on the cup off points for-and-against.
The Nomads came out ahead against last year’s TAFL finalists the Tamworth Swans, never looking in trouble to win 13-4.
New England held off competition from cup favourites Nambucca Heads, keeping them clear of the goal to slide in front for a 17-16 victory.
The Inverell Saints proved to be less of a challenge and the Nomads kept their shots straight to push in front 37-34.
New England suffered their only loss to their old nemesis and eventual cup winner, the Tamworth Kangaroos.
The Roos capitalised on the New England errors to score a 30-18 win to secure the competition.
Nomads media offcier, Jack Sartor commented that the squad was happy with their performance despite the one loss.
“They got four goals out of silly free kicks through us swearing and throwing the ball away,” said Sartor of the game against the Roos.
“They basically won on our mistakes.”
Sartor said the Tablelands Cup gave the team an opportunity to test new recruits and to get their game plan in order.
“It was very good,” he said.
“A couple of the new blokes did really well.
“The midfield dominated in all the matches except against the Roos.
“Rich Malone was at fullback, he was probably the best player on the day. It was his first time ever as fullback.
“A couple of the new blokes in the forward line were really good and the goals were on target from everyone but me,” Sartor joked.
Other stand out players included Ben Horne, Nathan Moran and Tom Hunt.
And despite a rigour four games, Sartor said the team had got through the day without any notable injuries.
“A few people are a bit sore but nothing serious as far as I know,” he said.
“I think we’ll be pretty confident come the first round against the Swans.
“I think we’re looking good.
“And after yesterday, because we’ve got so mnay players now, we’re pretty confident of fielding arguably the best team.”
The first round of the Tamworth Australian Rules competition kicks off on April 22.
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