ZAC Economou could rest a little easier entering this weekend’s general Tamworth AFL bye after his New England Nomads bounced back from a shock first round defeat to beat Inverell Saints in Inverell on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Nomads booted 21.15 141 to the Saints’ 10.9 69 to continue their domination of the Saints in the past three seasons.
The Nomads have beaten the Saints in the last three TAFL grand finals to add to their previous TAFL flags in 2000, 2001 and 2004 and started brilliantly on Saturday, booting 6.2 38 in the first quarter to set up a 31 point lead.
It was a lead they never relinquished, adding six more in the second quarter for a 31-point half time lead and then four goals in the third term and five more to finish off.
“We did come out hard,” Zac Economou told The Leader after the game.
“Had to play well after the first round.”
Leading the way was Weston Whitby, who kicked 11 goals in a mesmeric performance.
“He was unstoppable.
“Kicked five goals alone in the first quarter. Had a fantastic game. He's such a strong player on the ball. They just didn't have anyone to match up on him.”
While Whitby was starring Economou and Jed Ellis-Cluff also kicked three goals apiece and Hayden Clarke two.
“Jed did play well,” Economou said.
“Tim Keys also played very well in his first game for us.
"That was fantastic.
"And Omphile Temoso also played well in the ruck.
“But we have a few players still to come back after the Anzac weekend break.
“I will have a little bit of a selection issue then, but that's a good problem to have.”
For the Saints Luke Selig and Jamahl Blair both kicked two goals while Sam Kimmince, Chris Schneider, Damon Harrison, Jack Lawton, Beau Coles and Peter Dunlop were their best.
In the other games Tamworth Kangaroos beat Tamworth Swans 21.17 143-7.4 46 and Gunnedah Bulldogs overcame Narrabri Eagles 13.18 96-11.5 71.
The TAFL now breaks until May 2 when the third round of matches will be played with Gunnedah at home to New England Nomads, Narrabri Eagles hosting Tamworth Kangaroos and Moree Suns travelling to Tamworth's No 1 Oval to play the Tamworth Swans.
TAFL LADDER: Tamworth Kangaroos 8 (244.34 per cent), Gunnedah Bulldogs 8 (160.33pc), Inverell Saints 4 (188.61pc), New England Nomads 4 (108.65pc), Narrabri Eagles 0 (73.96pc), Tamworth Swans 0 (39.83pc), Moree Suns 0 (7.42pc).
