By – JACKSON CLARK
Nightcliff has fought off a late charge from Tiwi Bombers to win by one point in a thriller at Northline Oval on Saturday. The Tigers fielded a close to full-strength line-up but struggled to break free from the Tiwi side whose season was essentially on the line. It was a fast paced and competitive opening to the match and nothing separated either side at the first change. The Tigers produced some better football in the second term and led by a couple of goals at main break before Tiwi pegged back the margin by three quarter time. Nightcliff started the last quarter with a couple of quick goals and stretched its lead to over 20 points before a late fight back from the Bombers. Gerry Cunningham missed a crucial shot on goal that would have put them in front after a taking a great mark and this resulted in the Bombers falling agonisingly short. Troy Coates was serviceable in his first game for the season while Todd Grima was one of the best on ground in defence.
A depleted St Marys side recorded an 85-point win over Buffaloes at Gardens Oval on Saturday. The Saints overcame a slow start to eventually win 18.20 (128) to 6.7 (43). The Buffaloes produced a spirited opening term for the highly respected Phillip Wills who played his 100th game. At quarter time the double blues had their noses in front and a vocal crowd sensed an upset could be on the cards. The Buffaloes dropped away badly in the second quarter and the Saints capitalised on this to kick away. Buffaloes only managed four behinds in the second and third quarters and at three quarter time the scoreboard was beginning to look ugly. A couple of late consolation goals in the last quarter gave the Buffaloes supporters something to cheer about but it was still a long day at the office. Justin Van Unen kicked five goals while Shaq McKenzie gathered possessions at will.
A strong last quarter from Southern Districts resulted in a 13.7 (85) to 7.7 (49) win over Palmerston in the late game at Northline Oval. The Magpies, who have been fast starters in recent weeks, got out to an early lead midway through the opening term but the Crocs fired back with the last four goals of the quarter. The game reached a stalemate after quarter time with only three goals kicked by either side in the second and third quarters. Any chance of an unlikely Palmerston win was killed off early in the last quarter with Districts piling on six goals to three in the final term. Troy Taylor was again dominant with seven goals while Des Headland’s experience was invaluable.
Wanderers managed to overcome a feisty Waratah to win by eight points in an entertaining Foundation Cup clash at Gardens Oval on Sunday. The Warriors got off to the perfect start and led by 31 points approaching time on in the opening quarter. James Wray was generating plenty of opportunities through the middle of the ground while the strongly built Luke Harder was a presence up forward. A couple of late goals gave the Eagles some confidence and forced Waratah coach Brenton Toy to give his boys a spray at quarter time. The second quarter was all Wanderers with a clear momentum shift in the game. Just when it looked like the Eagles would extend its lead, Waratah managed a purple patch of football in kicked three goals in as many minutes to get some breathing space. Wanderers had some work to do in the last quarter and they will able to recapture the lead thanks to hard work around the stoppages from Josh Cubillo and smart decision making from Marlon Motlop. Shane Thompson got the Eagles crowd on its feet with a goal celebration that would rival some of the best in the English Premier League. Despite plenty of effort and enthusiasm from Waratah, they fell eight points short and lost 14.11 (95) to 13.9 (87).
LADDER:
1 | St Marys | 15 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1718 | 837 | 205.26 | 56 |
2 | Wanderers | 15 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1308 | 994 | 131.59 | 48 |
3 | Southern Districts | 15 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1258 | 1041 | 120.85 | 34 |
4 | Nightcliff | 15 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1322 | 1169 | 113.09 | 32 |
5 | Waratah | 15 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1044 | 1198 | 87.15 | 24 |
6 | Tiwi Bombers | 15 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1382 | 1527 | 90.50 | 18 |
7 | Palmerston | 15 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1006 | 1411 | 71.30 | 16 |
8 | Buffaloes | 15 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 879 | 1515 | 58.02 | 8 |
LEADING GOALS:
54 – Justin Van Unen (St Marys)
46 – Troy Taylor (Southern Districts)
40 – Damian Cupido (Southern Districts)
37 – Shane Thorne (Wanderers)
35 – Peter Macfarlane (St Marys)
Twitter – @JClark182
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ntfootball

About Jackson Clark
Born and bred in Darwin, Northern Territory, I am a young, aspiring football writer that lives and breathes the game of Australian Football. I'm also a keen player and coach.
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