A poor first quarter left the Nomads with a mountain to climb against Inverell. While they improved after quarter-time, they never looked like making a comeback and the Saints ran out 16.20 (116) to 9.8 (62) winners.

This season the Nomads’ defence has kept them in games, but not in Saturday’s first quarter. In mitigation, changes in personnel and positions to cover absences meant the defence was not the familiar solid unit. However, many of the problems in the first quarter came from basic errors; getting caught out of position, failing to man-up and trying to mark when punching was appropriate.

Weston Whitby put in a good shift, in addition to his four goal haul he did a lot of work around the ground and looked to be finally recovering from some of his on-going injuries.

Also worth singling out, Warren Redhead put in a great effort and was rewarded with a goal following his tackle on Jonno Elphick on the half-time siren. Having failed to dispose of the ball with Warren clinging to his arm, Elphick happily kicked it away on hearing the siren to concede a 50-metre penalty which was duly converted from the top of the goal square. Comedy gold.

A mounting injury crisis, holidays and other commitments had New England calling on old-boys Dave MacLellan, Joel Webber and Brad Willcocks. DMac became the ninth Nomad to play 50 games for the club.

Time is getting tight for the Nomads. There aren’t that many rounds left for them to show what they are really capable of. The unavoidable wholesale changes to the squad each week have not given the team a chance to gel, however a greater commitment to training would be a huge step in the right direction.

Round 8 2009

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