World Footy News

The Darwin Buffaloes, often better known locally as just the Buffaloes, have certainly started to turn the NTFL competition on its head, or at the very least clip it around the ears. Desperately unlucky last weekend to go down to the St Marys powerhouse by a solitary point, the Buffaloes went one better, defeating the other of last year’s grand finalists, Wanderers, by two points.

After having spent the past few years inhabiting the lower reaches of the NTFL ladder, there is something very inspiring about the Buffaloes at the moment. If last weekend’s loss was seen as “just one of those days”, then this weekend’s 10 11 71 to 10 9 69 win over Wanderers is proof. The Buffaloes are on the way back up. This in light of the fact that they trailed last year’s premiers by 36 points at half time. The second half belonged to the Buffaloes but they still trailed by 20 points at the final change. But the momentum of the second half was theirs and they hung on in a thriller to come from behind and create the upset of the season to date. Watch this space, Buffaloes fans.
The weekend’s round also saw St Marys travel to Bathurst Island to play the Tiwi Bombers. In a tough, tight but fast game it was the Saints that held firm to win by 24 points, extending their lead bit by bit each quarter. Final scores saw St Marys 15 9 99 defeat the Tiwi Bombers 10 15 75. It was the third straight defeat for the Bombers, setting off alarm bells. Another loss next weekend will seriously hurt the Bomber’s finals chances.

Southern Districts flexed their muscle against Waratah. Trailing at the first break and leading by just 15 points at half time, the Crocs fired up after the long break to finish strongly. After just three rounds, the Crocs are the only undefeated team and many pundits believe they are the most impressive team in the league to date.

The round was completed today at Northline Oval where the Palmerston Magpies defeated an undermanned Nightcliff Tigers 12 13 85 to 11 7 73. The win secures a good hold in the top five and a good start to the season for the Magpies. The Tigers had a few last minute player changes and new recruit Tyrone Downie was injured early.

Round Four commences on Friday night when Palmerston takes on St Marys at TIO Stadium. The Saturday double-header at the same venue will see Buffaloes take on the Tiwi Bombers whilst Southern Districts and Wanderers will do battle, On Sunday Waratah will meet Nightcliff.