The Under 18s kicked the day off and after two weeks of impressive lead-up training held their own and went into the first break with a lead over their more fancied opponents.

The next three terms however were quite a mystery to coach and spectators alike when the wheels fell off completely and they only managed to kick a further two behinds for the rest of the game.

In saying that the true Saints never say die spirit was still there and even though the boys went down by 10 goals, the Bushrangers knew they had been in a game.

Young were outclassed in the air but dominated when the ball was at ground level.

Co-captain braiden harmer-Clark led by example and was the side’s standout performer and more than likely had more possessions than any players from either side.

He was well supported by younger brother Brodie from fullback and fellow backman Bailey Pennel.

While up front Brandon Sanderson in his first game was solid and looks like becoming a promising player.

QT - Bathurst 1-1-7, Young 2-1-13.

HT - Bathurst 3-7-25, Young 2-1-13.

QT - Bathurst 7-8-50, Young 2-2-14.

FT - Bathurst 11-12-78, Young 2-3-15.

Goalkickers - one each to Brandon Sanderson and Brody Carberry.

The Young Saintees women’s side were next to take to the field.

It was an exciting time for all as being the first time playing together as a team the girls improved each quarter.

The score didn’t reflect the intensity of the game.

The girls gained more confidence as they learnt how to play, with Courtney Martin kicking our first goal.

With positive feedback the girls head into the weekend’s match against Bathurst again filled with their heads held high and full of confidence.

The side hopes to have a better outcome and a closer margin.

QT - Bathurst 4-4-28, Young 0-0-0.

HT - Bathurst 8-13-61, Young 0-0-0.

QT - Bathurst 12-15-87, Young 0-2-2.

FT - Bathurst 15-17-107, Young 1-3-9.

Goalkickers - one goal to Courtney Martin. 

First Grade took to the paddock for the main game and although they went down by 15 goals the game was a lot more even than the score depicts.

The Bushranger Rebels ran out to a commanding six goals to none quarter time lead, but the Saints managed to win the following term and kept on pushing through the third stanza and just beyond, but the run in their legs faded.

The Rebels put on another 40 point quarter to make their score more imposing. 

Again it was the tri-colours’ backline that had to weather a major storm and they worked tirelessly over four periods of play with Chris Carrie and new recruit Ronald Roz doing some good work, but it was thanks to him Young gained many forward movements.

Young’s go-forward was provided by a midfield that was underdone but courageous, with rover Rowan Hosken and best on ground Will Albert able to penetrate the centre field and pepper their forward line on a regular basis.

With some improvements in defence and more accurate kicking both forward and back the team will improve over the first half of the season.

QT - Bathurst 6-4-40, Young 0-1-1.

HT - Bathurst 9-9-63, Young 4-6-30.

QT - Bathurst 13-15-93, Young 5-6-36.

FT - Bathurst 20-18-138, Young 6-8-44.

Goalkickers - two each to Geoff Harmer and Kai Frame, and one each to Cameron Hobbs and Hamish Gledhill. 

The Saints’ first home game is against Bathurst Outlaws, with the day kicking off at 10.30am at Burrangong Oval with the Under 18s.

This will be followed by the women’s and First Grade.

The canteen will be in operation and there is free entry to the ground, so get on out and support and cheer on the mighty Saints.

Hungry.