Finals bound St Mary’s rebound in second quarter after slow start to beat Waratah at Gardens

A STRONG start from Waratah was not enough to keep their NTFL finals hopes alive as St Mary’s turned on the power in the second quarter to win by 28 points at Gardens Oval

Shannon Rioli generated a lot of run for St Mary's in their win over Waratah at Gardens Oval.

A STRONG start from Waratah was not enough to keep their NTFL finals hopes alive as St Mary’s pulled ahead in the second quarter, going on to prevail by 28 points at Gardens Oval.

For the third week running Saints went into the first break behind with Tahs scoring quickly, Henry Kerinaiua and Jai McGrath proving almost instant threats.

The Green Machine kicked into gear in the second quarter, scoring seven times while the Tahs with everything to play for at home, fell away.

Tom Davies made things difficult for the Waratah attack while forwards Jackson Calder, Shannon Rioli and Leroy Larson picked up multiple scores each.

“It was probably not our best game in the end, but it’s good to get ourselves over the line. Good to get a couple goals myself,” Calder told the Sunday Territorian.

“Waratah were hoping to get to finals in front of their home crowd and were a lot better than they were last time we played them.”

The match evened out thereafter with eight minutes of the third quarter passing before Waratah’s Kyle McBean managed a goal, though the damage was already done.

Saint James Quinn was stretchered off midway through the fourth quarter after twisting his ankle, halting play for no more than five minutes.

Coach Anthony Vallejo was happy with the result but conceded it was not his side’s best performance.

“Waratah were pretty much playing for their season on their home track,” Vallejo said.

“We knew they were going to come out strong, so it was good to get the win over them.

“We have a lot of work to do before next week ... There’s going to be a few sore boys after today.”