Nomads overcome Inverell at the Bellevue

In a much anticipated top of the table clash, the New England Nomads emerged victorious, beating a determined Inverell side at the Bellevue. Lead by Hamish Pearce in the midfield (who was easily best on ground), Tom Hunt back to his best at Centre Half back and Zac Economou (who kicked 7 goals), the Nomads overcame the dogged efforts of the Saints to win comfortably. Although it was close at half time but the Nomads’ ruthless defence kept the Saints to one point for the second half of the game and won 20.22.142 to 6.3.39.

The start of the game saw the welcome return of Zac ‘the Accumulator’ Economou, Matt “Numero Quatro” Foley, Luke ‘Rambo’ Raymond and Zac “The Uber-pest” Wells (the team had been curiously Zac-less in the first five rounds but now had an elegant sufficiency of the species).

The weather in Armidale was warm with a light breeze and perfect for playing football. The Nomads began strongly, kicking to the Uralla end and scoring the first few goals with Big Jim Treweeke, Modra, and Hammer combining well in the middle. Tim Keys, playing for the first time at Centre Half Forward was providing plenty of movement for the midfield and contesting everything. What he didn;t mark came to ground to the advantage of the small forwards. This was all good. However, the team relaxed and let the Saints back in so that by the end of the first quarter scores were close. The Nomads lead 6.5.41 to 4.1.25.

In the second quarter the pattern continued and many of the Nomads were being lead to the ball. The backs were often left to fend on their own against the Saints midfield and some of the decision-making was not optimal. However, there were plenty of bright spots. Zac-the-Younger was doing well across the halfback line, taking some telling mark (which he might well tell us about!). Jed was also marking well overhead, and Zac Economou, who had to contend with one of the best defenders in the league was nonetheless accumulating (as is his way) goals. At the had time break the scores were 10.9.69 to 6.2.38. It was still anyone’s game.

During the half-time break the Monads regrouped and thought about what they had been doing well and what had not been working. They came out with a renewed vigour and a great deal more attack on the ball. Tom Hunt was instrumental, as a sweeper, for the start of a number of switches and counter-switches and his thoughtful ball movement was infectious. He was also starting to take some big grabs. Phill Mitchell took control of the backline and talked and directed the backline forces like a general from the American Civil War. Mitch Darton continued his fine work at (HBG) Half Back Gleeso. Big Jim was winning his ruck duals and playing a kick behind the play during general play to help Tom H control the airways. At the final change the scores were 14.15.99 to 6.3.39.

In the final quarter the Nomads really kicked on and prevented the Saints from scoring at all. Cammy Graham was too quick for the Saints’ backmen and booted the ball forward to the advantage of the Nomads forward – one particularly inspired piece of work saw the ball land in Zac Economou’s hand over the back of the pack – he spotted him and kicked long. The other tyro, Clarrie Barker, came into hs own in the last quarter with lots of strong bustling work getting through packs and delivering the ball through fully.

Overall, it was a very good effort on the part of the Noeys. The next big test comes next round when the Nomads play the Roos at their home ground. It will be very different playing them on the confined spaces of Tamworth no.1. Another big week of training ahead!

Round 6 2016

Nomads def. Saints
 GBP GBP
Q16541 4125
HT10969 6238
Q3141599 6339
FT2022142 6339

Team:

  • C. Barker,
  • V. Chakalisa,
  • L. Cudmore,
  • A. Cruickshank,
  • M. Darton,
  • Z. Economou,
  • J. Ellis-Cluff,
  • M. Foley,
  • J. Frost,
  • C. Graham,
  • T. Hunt,
  • T. Keys,
  • T. Lashlie,
  • P. Mitchell,
  • H. Pearce,
  • J. Petrascu,
  • L. Raymond,
  • D. Richards,
  • C. Roe,
  • J. Shirley,
  • J. Treweeke,
  • Z. Wells.

Goalscorers:

  • Z. Economou (7),
  • J. Ellis-Cluff (4),
  • D. Richards (2),
  • M. Foley (2),
  • A. Cruickshank,
  • C. Roe,
  • H. Pearce,
  • J. Petrascu,
  • L. Raymond.

Award winners:

  • H. Pearce (Players' Player),
  • Z. Economou (Coach's),
  • M. Darton (President's),
  • T. Hunt (Captain's),
  • Z. Wells (Meehan's Plumbing Services').

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