It's heaven eleven for Waratahs

ELEVEN different goalkickers helped St Marys to consolidate their lead at the top of the NTFL ladder with a 119-point annihilation .

ELEVEN different goalkickers helped St Marys to consolidate their lead at the top of the NTFL ladder with a 119-point annihilation of Waratahs at Gardens Oval.

But despite the high-scoring winning margin, St Marys coach Ricky Nolan was quick to praise his defence after the 23.12 (150) to 4.7 (31) victory.

"The back line only allowed the Waratahs to kick one goal until three-quarter time and four for the game so that is an outstanding defensive effort," Nolan said.

While describing the win as one of the best of the season, he did admit that his charges did not cement their supremacy in the first half, despite leading by 57 points.

"Early it was a scrubby ball but when we moved it out wide we really did well," first-year coach Nolan said.

Marksman Peter Macfarlane kicked six goals, including three in the final quarter, and Justin van Unen kicked four but the strong team performance never allowed Saints to take full control in the forward line.

 

"We want a spread of goals. We have been relying on those two blokes but 11 different goalkickers is excellent," Nolan said.

The win could come at a cost, however, with possession grabber Mark McLean suffering an ankle injury.

"Mark rolled an ankle and that is a bit of a worry," Nolan admitted yesterday.

But with the Saints enjoying the bye next weekend, and the players having a week off training, Nolan is hoping the players will benefit.

The Waratahs' tale of woe began from the first bounce with St Marys dominating the first quarter, keeping their opponents pointless and kicking 4.3.

The second quarter began a little brighter for the Waratahs with Luke Tynan kicking a behind and the lively Patrick Heenan adding their first major in the second minute. He went on to kick three.

But it was all down hill from there for Brenton Toy's young team as St Marys picked up where they left off to lead 65-8 at the main break.

An incident nine minutes into the third quarter possibly summed up the Waratahs' dismal afternoon.

Saints defender Jackson Clark was penalised for deliberately handballing a loose ball behind for a point but when Hayden McDonald lined up from close range, his kick hit the post.

Saints led 98-11 at three-quarter time and went on with the scoring into the final quarter.

Macfarlane kicked three for the quarter to take his tally to six for the match.