Kangaroos bounce out of the blocks

Paul Tapper takes a strong mark during the Tamworth Kangaroos' opening round win over Gunnedah. Photo: Gunnedah Bulldogs Facebook page

ROUND 1 REVIEW: The Tamworth Kangaroos have been trying to stay under the radar all summer long but may not be able to stay unnoticed for much longer.

The Kangaroos men were impressive in their opening round win over Gunnedah.

Rhett Graham provided plenty of drive in the midfield during the 38-point win while the forwards combined well enough to have eight players get on the goal kickers list including captain Matthew Hall who booted three.

Gunnedah tried hard throughout to try and stay in touch and Jakob Vearing provided a strong focal point up front to kick four goals for the Bulldogs.

In the women’s match the Kangaroos made the Poochettes work hard for their win.

Gunnedah’s Katrina Rekunow showed she’s ready to reproduce her strong form of 2022 while Meg Foster snagged three majors for the winners.

RESULTS – TAMWORTH KANGAROOS vs. GUNNEDAH

Women – Gunnedah 9.9 (63) def Tamworth Kangaroos 3.3 (21)

Men: Tamworth Kangaroos 13.13 (91) def Gunnedah 7.11 (53)

Inverell’s men produced a strong second half to turn a 5-point half time deficit at Bellevue Oval into a 35-point win over the New England Nomads.

The Nomads looked every bit the reigning premier early despite being undermanned while the University holiday period winds up.

But the Saints clicked into gear after the break with Marli Gobbert kicking three of the seven goals Inverell kicked after half time.

In the women’s match Iverell picked up where they left off last year comfortably accounting for the Nomads.

RESULTS – NEW ENGLAND NOMADS vs. INVERELL

Women – Inverell 21.22 (148) def New England Nomads 1.0 (6)

Men: Inverell 14.21 (105) def New England Nomads 11.4 (70)

NEXT WEEK

The Tamworth Swans play their first match of the season when they host a local derby against the Kangaroos.

The men’s teams from Gunnedah and the Nomads will both be keen to get their first wins on the board when they meet at Wolseley Park.

ROUND 2 – Saturday, April 29

TAMWORTH SWANS vs. TAMWORTH KANGAROOS at Tamworth No.1 Oval, Tamworth

(12.00pm – Women, 2.00pm – Men)

GUNNEDAH vs. NEW ENGLAND NOMADS at Wolseley Park, Gunnedah

(12.50pm – Women, 2.20pm – Men)

BYE: Inverell