Nomads back in business

By Mitchell Neems (Armidale Express, 09/08/2010)
New England Nomads are back on track for a finals berth, and perhaps even a home final, after an impressive 13 point win over the Narrabri Eagles on Saturday.

The Nomads looked like being severely undermanned late last week, however, an eager squad of 21 made the trip to Narrabri and came home with a 13.12 (90) to 11.11 (77) win.

Coach Brendan Meehan said he couldn’t fault his side’s commitment during the game.

“All of the boys played with huge heart, they ran hard at the ball all day and when the full time siren blew they were all physically exhausted,” he said.

Meehan was reluctant to single out one area of the paddock where the Nomads most excelled, believing it was a well rounded effort across the field.

“We were consistent everywhere, our backs manned up, our centres ran their hearts out and fed our forwards quality balls so they could take the time to have set shots at goal,” he said.

“We didn’t waste our time in dead pockets, we played smart football and that’s what won us the game.”

Meehan identified relatively new recruit Carle Teseling on the half forward line as a standout, along with Nick Schultz in the mid field and Mark Dowdle on the half-back line.

Up front Weston Whitby bagged six goals for the Nomads, ably supported by Caleb Dobos and Johnathon Frost who kicked four and two respectively.

The win should solidify the Nomads place inside the Tamworth AFL (TAFL) top four and set them in good stead for their last round match against Gunnedah in two weeks.

“We will take a lot of confidence from this win,” Meehan said.

“But nothing changes, it’s still one game at a time.”

Depending on the performances of the two Tamworth teams currently sitting in second and third on the TAFL ladder, the Nomads may be able to snatch a home ground final when the finals kick off on the last weekend of the month.

In other matches on Saturday, Tamworth Kangaroos accounted for Muswellbrook Cats 21.14 (140) to 9.10 (64), while ladder leaders Inverell made light work of Gunnedah with an impressive 55-point victory.

Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Express

Round 17 2010

Eagles def. by Nomads
 GBP GBP
Q16238 4428
HT8755 6743
Q39761 121385
FT111278 131391

Team:

  • C. Ballagh,
  • D. Bioletti,
  • M. Bourke,
  • V. Chakalisa,
  • M. Clayton,
  • C. Dobos,
  • M. Dowdle,
  • J. Frost,
  • L. Holmes,
  • D. MacLellan,
  • C. Merrick,
  • C. Murray,
  • G. Nelson,
  • N. Schultz,
  • C. Teseling,
  • P. Tobias,
  • G. Wagstaff,
  • A. Walsh,
  • T. Walsh,
  • W. Whitby,
  • J. Wright.

Goalscorers:

  • W. Whitby (6),
  • C. Dobos (4),
  • J. Frost (2),
  • T. Walsh.

Award winners:

  • C. Teseling (Players' Player),
  • D. Bioletti, C. Merrick (Coach's),
  • J. Wright (Captain's),
  • M. Dowdle (VC's),
  • J. Frost (Red Rooster),
  • W. Whitby (Vice President's).

One Response to “Nomads back in business”

  1. Brendo Says:

    Nomads,

    Well done boys we are still in it this year. A great win and now lets look forward to another win next week.

    Finals are completely different and we can win the grand Final from here. Well done to the coach.

    Brendo

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