They came away with an important four competition points.

It was a game of four gutsy, tough and determined footy quarters which was, according to coach Ian Callaghan, the first of a month of important football for the senior side and the club itself.

With some good recruiting and improved numbers at training, combinations are starting to form with team morale and confidence growing at a speedy pace.

“If we can back ourselves and the guys around the paddock like we did in Parkes and with growing self and team belief the month of footy Ian believes we can produce, will come to fruition,” Saints representative Geoff Harmer said.

The backline was splendid with their one-on-ones and the running game put on by the lads was pretty to watch.

“Especially when the pill came as quick as it did to our half forward line by the likes of Zac Callaghan, Ben Anderson on the wing and co-captain Drew Morris at the centre half back,” Harmer said.

Vice captains Jason Loader and Fred Cummins crumbed well off fullback Jarrod Pope and also punched the ball fast and wide to open wings where the Stewarts Jewellers’ Player’s Player Brent Blythe played an outstanding game.

He gained plenty of touches through hard marking, solid groundwork and determined defence.

In the ruck, Ethan Cummins battled all day and the combination in the square with Rod Doolan, Sam Herzick and Cameron Hobbs is becoming one of the best in reserve grade period.

The two forward lines worked the best together last week than any game played this year, with five of the six positions bagging a major score of multiple goals.

Centre half forward Kurt Lyzun bagged five goals in a fine display, earning him the Young Car Wash award.

The Subway award went to forward flank Geoff Harmer.

Full forward Ben McInerney led to space all game and this enabled the pocket players Chris Thompson, Ethan Silk and Kailupp Taylor-Alchin either opportunity at goal or lock the ball up.

On the other forward flank Kai Frame bother and offset the Panthers’ defence, helping the forwards to dominate their forward 50 metre zone.

Again, special thanks to Jarrod Pope, Jack Barnes, Jack Debritt, Brady LeStrange and Ethan Silk, who had a fine game - close to his best senior performance for us - and for helping with numbers last week.

Tomorrow is the return match with Parkes, making their way out to Miller Henry Oval.

Like the previous two encounters, this season should be an absolute cracker.

The Under 18s will kick the day off against the Orange Tigers, who have had two telling wins against the Saints.

But Harmer said the lads have improved immensely and will put up a much improved performance.

RESULTS

Young

QT 3-1-19

HT 7-2-44

QT 8-3-51

FT 10-7-67

Parkes

QT 2-1-13

HT 2-3-15

QT 5-3-33

FT 6-4-40

Goal kickers: Kurt Lyzun 5, Geoff Harmer 2, Kai Frame, Chris Thompson and Ben McInerney one goal each.