SAINTS’ YOUTH EMERGING
THE next generation at St Mary’s proved the future is strong, helping the reigning premiers to a 22.13 (145) to 18.10 (118) win over Tiwi in a high-scoring, entertaining affair at TIO Stadium yesterday.
Saints youngsters Chris Parris and the Musgrove brothers – Denny, Jack (five goals) and Mitch were all impressive. They are buying into coach Rick Nolan’s hardworking, hard pressing philosophy in both attack and defence, and appear capable of continuing Saints’ winning culture into the future.
Hugh McMurtrie was also reliable down back, while Nate Paredes (three goals) was outstanding and again won a stack of inside-midfield ball.
“Through the middle we were strong. There’s still a long way to go,” Saints coach Rick Nolan said. “I said our bestcase scenario at the start of the year would be five wins and four losses now. “We’ve hit our KPIs.” Saints’ renowned tireless pressure got the better of Tiwi late in the second term where the Bombers’ fatigue cost them, conceding four goals late in the final few minutes.
Nick Mende, Jack Musgrove (two) and Francis Kin- thari scored in this period to give the hosts a valuable 20point lead at the main break.
Up until that point, the Bombers were well and truly in the game. They opened up an early 17-point lead, and held a 15-point lead at quarter-time, after a brilliant goal to Dion Munkara.
Some good running from Ross Tungatalum and a good kick forward found Austin Wonaeamirri, who showed cunning and guile to beat his opposite Luke Bath on an angle, before Munkara was on the spot and in front.
“We started off good, but it was the same old issue of not being able to control the tempo and play it on our terms,” Bombers coach Brenton Toy said. “And to know when we need to slow a game down, and when we need to pull the trigger.”
The Green Machine’s late second-quarter momentum continued early in the third term, with Peter MacFarlane (five goals) kicking two majors and Henry Labastida one inside the first 10 minutes. That opened up a 31-point lead.
Youth and experience then combined for a crucial Saints goal, which gave them a 33point lead right on three-quarter time.
Two pinpoint kicks from Denny Musgrove and Shannon Rioli led to a strong mark from Paredes, who made no mistake from 35m out.
Unlike their capitulation against Nightcliff, though, the Tiwis kept coming in the fourth term.
A classy goal on the run was registered by Munkara, before a booming goal from 52m out from Roy Farmer narrowed the gap to 16 in the 16th minute.