NEW ENGLAND NOMADS 11.9-75

A REPLAY of the 2007 Tamworth AFL grand final is going ahead this weekend after the Inverell Saints destroyed the New England Nomads chances of winning the preliminary final at Varley Oval on Saturday.

But this year, the grand final match is at No 1 Oval in Tamworth.

The Saints managed to make some changes to their game play after last weekend's loss to the Tamworth Kangaroos and it worked to their advantage.

From the opening bounce, the Saints were switched on and kicked seven goals and seven behinds in the first quarter.

Coach Dick Gleeson said he was relieved they had captured the win.

"Thank God we managed to get to the grand final," he said.

"It isn't the way we had hoped to get there, but at least we are there again.

"I was really happy with the way the boys played against the Nomads and they addressed the problems we had last week.

"We set some team rules and picked up our game."

The Saints continued on their merry way in the second quarter, and had lead by 40 points at half time.

"In the third quarter though Chris Whitton was sent off with a yellow card and we were down one player for 15 minutes," Gleeson said.

"This allowed the Nomads to get back into the game and they were trying their hardest.

"But as soon as Whitton came back on we clicked back into it and Nick Baird kicked another two goals allowing us to retain our lead.

"All up Baird kicked six goals and Mick Vinney got four."

The Saints had Joe Kimmince return to the field on Saturday after breaking his collarbone and Gleeson said he had a good game.

"It has boosted his confidence and he will come back even better for the grand final," he said.

"Jack Lawton also had a great game and Jono Elphick and Fraser Hughes were definitely best on ground.

"Our experienced players really stood up and we now have to take what we learnt in this game to the grand final."

There will be a supporter’s bus on Saturday if you want to cheer on the Saints in Tamworth.

To find out more information call Dick Gleeson on 0428 682 359 or president Gerry Taveira on 6721 2881.