Saints look for finals position

The Saints managed to come away with a win in the 18s to the tune of 96-23, and the First Grade squad went down to a Dubbo team who, at home, formed a formable unit, especially with their reserves having the bye that enabled them to  bulk up their squad.

The Saints went down 87-64, but should have been put away by a much larger margin, with inaccurate Dubbo goal kicking due to a strong defensive pressure applied by our two backlines throughout the match.

“Our backs were sensational during the match with the likes of Loader, Doolan, Frame, Morris and Fred Cummings putting in the best defensive performance for the season to date, even though we went down,” Saints committee member and senior player Geoff Harmer said.

Captain Sam Herzich was at his typical best and led through example, and guided the side forward from the midfield well, along with Rowan Hosken.

Ben Anderson put in a solid effort on the wing, helping the side push ahead.

The forward line, when presented with opportunities, kicked straight and true for a higher goal to behind ratio which I’m sure would have impressed coach Rob Harrington.

The forward pockets and flanks did a great job crumbing the loose ball and gave the room needed in the hot spots for centre half forward Ben McInerney and fellow tall forward Chris Thompson to mark well inside the 50 metre attacking zone.

“We lacked some height in defence and unfortunately couldn’t find a match up for Dubbo’s go to forward target who got on top of us in the second and third terms, and that’s when it was won and lost,” coach Rob Harrington said.

There is still a positive feeling in the club about a finals berth and with four games left before the businesses end of the season, a commitment made by the squad to go hard for one another and leave nothing in the tank for our run to the finals is in play.

The match points were awarded to Kai Frame (3), Zac Callaghan (2), and Chris Carrie (1).

The Under 18s put on a footballing display earlier in the day to dispose of the Demons in four dominant quarters of aggression, team play and confidence.

“The Dubbo side had no answer to the go-forward momentum of the Saints and Young’s midfield consisting of Pope, Carrie and St Clare fed the forwards well, and the forwards flourished,” Harmer said.

Brodie Harmer-Clark, the youngest member of the team, performed well up front and had a solid last term in defence.

Jarrod Filmer was everywhere in the forward line and marked strongly, delivering confidently into the attacking hot spots.

In the back line, once again it was Brayden Harmer-Clark leading the way out of trouble with no forward put on him able to gain any attacking advantage.

Supporting Brayden were Zac Callaghan and Roady who showed a heap of footballing nouse and attacking footy with Rubbs feeding off the boys and setting up and landing some great goals.

“The side really showed some cohesion and unselfish play which really impressed me last week,” coach Ray Martin said.

With the 18s due to have a couple of players return and an extra week off in tomorrow’s game due to Cowra pulling out of the 18s competition, the boys have a real chance to work on and improve themselves and their skills before two consecutive games against Bathurst in which they have every chance against.

“Last week was so hard to decide the 3, 2, 1s because all the boys did an exceptional job,” Martin said.

Match points: 

3 points – Chris Carrie.

2 points – Rabbs.

1 point – Filmo.

Tomorrow the First Grade side are the only team in action and will take on the Cowra Blues at 2pm out at Burrangong Oval.

These games are always a tough affair, but with belief and teamwork the Saints can come away with a win. So if our supporters once again head out and get behind us, we’ll start our push to the finals.

This Sunday the Young club will be hosting an Auskick carnival between 10am and 2pm with children travelling from the central west clubs as well as from Cootamundra Auskick.

If there are any children interested in participating from Young, feel free to make the trip out to Burrangong Oval for a fun day of footy.