By Ben Lonergan (Armidale Express, 13/05/2015)
A stellar defensive team performance and a seven-goal masterclass from captain Dave Richards spurred the New England Nomads to a huge victory over the Tamworth Swans on Saturday.

The Swans were forced to wait until the second quarter to register a point at Tamworth’s Number One Oval as the Nomads’ defensive line locked down the clamps in the 156-23 victory.

“We played some good footy,” Nomads player-coach Zac Economou said.

“If we could have kicked straighter we could have been even better.”

The Tamworth side have struggled so far in 2015, languishing second last on the TAFL ladder, but Economou said it didn’t take much to get his men in the right mindset for the match.

“The guys came out pretty fired up,” he said.

“Even when we got out to a big lead the boys didn’t drop off at all.

“Sometimes you can let up when you get to an early lead, but we didn’t which was pleasing.”

After just one quarter the Nomads had already built a 42-nil lead thanks to six goals and as many behinds. The Swans were able to get on the board in the second quarter, but the scoreboard still made for dismal reading for the Tamworth side at half time, with the Nomads leading 70-8.

Astonishingly things got even uglier for the Swans in the third quarter as Richards ran riot.

The Nomads booted nine goals and five behinds to rack up 59 points in the quarter.

“Dave really got on a run there,” Economou said.

“He was one of the few guys who kicked straight.

“If you give him that much room he’s going to hurt you.”

Wayward kicking by the Nomads in the final period gave the Swans welcome relief, with the Armidale side kicking three goals and nine behinds to see the scoreline finish 156-23.

Economou paid tribute to his defence for an terrific performance.

“Phil Mitchell and High Cook were outstanding at the back,” he said.

Half-forwards Andrew Garraud and Wulu Hall also drew praise from the coach.

The Nomads have the bye this weekend before regrouping to face Narrabri in a fortnight.

Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Express

Round 4 2015

Swans def. by Nomads
	G	B	P		G	B	P
Q1	0	0	0		6	6	42
HT	1	2	8		10	10	70
Q3	2	3	15		19	15	129
FT	3	5	23		22	24	156

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