Inverell Saints have mixed results against New England Nomads

With the help of businesses and community members, the Inverell Saints raised $22,500 to help improve Terry’s mobility, as they took on the New England Nomads. 

“We had people at our AFL that we’ve never seen at a game before. Footy takes a back seat when there’s a great cause on board,” Saints president Jason Gobbert said.

He said watching Terry become emotional “makes you feel good that you put the effort in because he just thoroughly deserved it”.

The community has now raised $52,000 towards purchasing a van and lifting equipment to help Terry travel as his mobility degenerates due to motor nuerone disease. Fundraisers hope to raise around $80,000 by Christmas. 

Gobbert thanked the many local business houses who sponsored the event, and club treasurer Paul Pay. 

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The Saints’ position on top of the AFL ladder is looking more precarious as the finals approach, thanks to mixed results in Saturday’s games. 

The women kept pace with Nomads, with a strong win of 5.10.40 to 3.0.18. However Inverell’s men lost some ground midway through their game, and faced a disappointing loss with a final score of 13.7.85 to 12.11.83.

The junior match was cancelled due to a lack of players on both sides.

The women reminded Armidale why Inverell belongs at the top of the ladder in a fast and furious game.

“They have a very quick and young side from Armidale,”  Saints president Jason Gobbert said.

“The girls just really put in. I think they’ve just got a strong will not to lose, which is great for a footy side. They’re a very tight bunch of girls and they work really hard.” Gobbert said the local team’s tenacity was their biggest strength. 

“Every time Armidale picked the ball up, there was a girl there to tackle them and there was always a girl there to chase. They just try their hardest and never stop running, and they really respond to their coach,” he said.

“They’re a very driven bunch”.

Following such a strong season, Gobbert admitted the men could survive another loss, but hoped Saturday would be a wake up call. 

“Seeing as we’ve only got one round left before the finals… it might give them a bit of a shake up,” he said.

The locals began strong, and were leading by around 20 points early on, but became “rattled” in the second quarter. The rest of the game played out neck and neck, with the Nomads finally securing the win. 

“(They were) playing the man instead of playing the ball, and we didn’t stick to our structure,” Gobbert said. 

“Hopefully the boys can embrace that and move on.”

The Saints will be stronger when they take on Gunnedah next Saturday, with several top players returning. The women and juniors will face the Tamworth Kangaroos.