The Moree Suns are still searching for their first win in the AFL North West competition, going down to the New England Nomads 16-22-118 to 5-6-36 on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Suns were once again forced to make a number of changes to the side that took on the Tamworth Swans a fortnight ago, an issue that has plagued the club all season.
"With multiple changes again, including three first gamers, all I asked was for the boys to play their natural game and have fun," Suns coach Eric Faulkner said.
They failed to score a goal in the opening three quarters, but once again came home strong, scoring five goals and winning the final quarter.
The Nomads dominated field position early but failed to take full advantage, some poor accuracy in front of goal letting them down, going into half time with a 7-16-58 to 0-4-4 lead.
They were able to continue with the job in the second half, and while the Suns toiled all game, the Nomads proved too strong.
READ ALSO:
Angus Quail hauled in seven goals for the Nomads, taking advantage of some fantastic delivery from the midfield.
"We went with them in the first quarter and won the fourth quarter. The score didn't really reflect how close the two teams were," Faulkner said.
"The Nomads are an extremely well drilled team and their delivery to their full forward (Quail) was faultless."
Jack Montgomery was once again strong in the backline after backing up from juniors, while Matt Lather and Wyatt Roberts were among the Suns best.
"Our midfield is really starting to gel with our backline as strong as ever," Faulkner said.
While it was still a heavy loss, it's still a vast improvement on previous years, with the team still yet to register a three digit loss.
After an interrupted start to the year, the Suns were also able to play their first game at their new home ground and will now play in consecutive weeks for the first time this season.
"It was really good to finally play a game at the Showground and it was great seeing the large crowd," Faulkner said.
"Hearing the horns beeping when goals were kicked reminded me of my time in country footy in Victoria and WA.
"I hope we can draw another big crowd this Saturday."
The Suns face off against the Inverell Saints at the Moree Showground this Saturday, June 22.
NEW ENGLAND NOMADS 16-22-118 (Angus Quail 7, Josh Croft 4, David Richards 3, Liam Cudmore, Matthew Baillie) defeated MOREE SUNS 5-6-36 (Adrian Smith 2, Wyatt Roberts, Daniel West, Simon Hall)