The New England Nomads got the perfect start to their premiership defense with a dominant display against the Tamworth Swans. The Nomads kicked an impressive 149 points while restricting the Swans to a miserly 18 points. The Swans were stranded on that score for the entirety of the second half.

With eight debutants and two ‘Old Boys’ returning to the fray, it was quite evident the team had not played too much football together. Simon Stubbs led the way up forward early marking anything in the air. He received quality delivery from midfielders Davie Graan (who travels from Newcastle to play), Jon Freund and Hoani Morrell. Stubbs’ new white Asics provided him the greatest challenge of the day with the ball not quite coming off the boot as well as he would have liked. Benji Julien was at his elusive rebounding best supplying the midfielders with some quality disposals.

The second quarter would have not been aesthetically pleasing to the spectators with scrappy football, wasted opportunities and lack of discipline. The Nomads lowered their colours a little with poor discipline gifting their opposition with a goal that should not have been scored otherwise. However newcomers to the club Jed Ellis-Cluff and James Boatfield showed they will be handy acquisitions making the most of their opportunities. Omphile Temoso continued to give his midfielders first use of the footy in his return to the club while wingmen Velani Chakalisa and Riley Connor had the ball on a string.

The second half of football was a real credit to the backmen with Zac Economou and Dan Davies proving to be pillars in defense, ably helped Captain Rowdy and vice-captain Frost. The backline did not concede another point after half-time showing the true grit of the backline and the excellent pressure applied on the opposition up-field. James Boatfield came into his own in the second half marking and converting almost every chance. Stubbs continued to pepper the goals including cross-body off-the-ground conversions that would make Lionel Messi proud.

At the final break coach Granleese pleaded with his players to continue playing with discipline especially in the forward line. While the Nomads did this, they remained wasteful in front of goal. Newcomer Mitch Evans showed he could be the competitions premier tagger with the Swans best midfielder not getting a touch after the first quarter, while Toby Machart showed glimpses in just his second game of footy. Wulu Hall also showed a fierce attack on the ball and Ellis-Cluff coming into his own in the final quarter. By the end Nomads ran out comfortable winners. The new Nomads will have to work on their singing ability after a very tight circle sung the song with all the new boys in the middle enjoying our ‘unique’ song.

With extra game-time, further training, and up to 17 players to return after uni holidays, the Nomads can only improve from here. It is a solid start to what looks to be a promising season. Go Nomads.

Round 1 2013

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