First Elimination Semi-Final
With a topsy turvy season that saw games washed out, snowed out, disrupted by university holiday restrictions, and six straight weeks on the road due to ground upgrades, along with just two wins in the minor round, the New England Nomads still managed to claim fourth spot on the ladder and earn a place in the elimination finals. Which the Nomads won.
Result
NE Nomads 15.11 (101) def Tamworth Kangaroos 8.18 (66)
Best Players
John-Paul Canavan, Charlie Keiller, Cotter Litchfield, Gus Russell, Marshall Rattray, Aidan Barry, James Walters.
Match Summary
Once again on the road, backs against the wall, and with the belief that the Nomads are built for finals footy, the team dug deep to produce an outstanding win in conditions that felt well over 30°C.
Missing fearless leader Hunter Greene and reliable fullback Jack Tapper, it was stand in captain Jimmy Walters who led the way, kicking four crucial goals.
In the midfield, ever dependable ruckman Gus Russell gave the engine room the edge, supported by a strong rotation of Charlie, JP, Modra, Cotter, Bobby, Eli and Simon.
Special credit goes to Marshall for shutting down the opposition’s best player with a superb tagging effort, and to Lachie for keeping one of their most dangerous forwards goalless.
The backline stood tall as always, with strong contributions from Donovan and Aidan. JP got the team off to a flying start with three early goals, while Choco returned after a long absence and played as if he had never left.
A special mention goes to Reilly Widdup in his farewell game before heading home to Victoria. Reilly finished with two goals, including a stunning shot from outside the boundary line. Thank you Reilly, you have been our silent assassin all year.
Next Up
Next up is the Tamworth Swans in Gunnedah. The Nomads are on the road again with nothing to lose and three big inclusions returning to the side. The team is hungry for a third straight win and a shot at the grand final.
With belief running high, the Nomads know they can win every game from here.
Nomads on three. 1, 2, 3.
Thanks,
Coach Ash
Awards
- Coach’s Award: Marshall Ratray
- Players’ Player: Charlie Keiller
- Captain’s Award: Cotter Litchfield
- President’s Award: JP Canavan
- Meehan’s Plumbing Award: Aidan Barry