World Footy News

Round Six of the NTFL competition in Darwin was highlighted by the Palmerston Magpies and their upset win against reigning premiers, Wanderers. The win has catapulted the Magpies into second position on the NTFL ladder and sounded a warning to all teams that the Magpies deserve respect and might just be a smokey for this year’s title.

The Magpies playing list is becoming quite formidable, boasting both Aaron and Alwyn Davey from Melbourne and Essendon respectively, ex-Bomber Leroy Jetta and former Geelong premiership player Matthew Stokes. These additions certainly make the Palmerston list much stronger and a likely thorn in every team’s side for the rest of the season.

Next week they have the chance of really nailing second place when they meet the still winless Tiwi Bombers.

Wanderers were missing key players, to be sure, but the loss does place pressure on the reigning champions as they are now secure in the top half of the ladder but seen to now be vulnerable. Next week’s match against Nightcliff is a must win to restore order before matches against the in-form Buffaloes and St Mary’s.

Final Score: Palmerston Magpies 12 7 79 defeated Wanderers 6 11 47

The closest result of the round saw the Buffaloes hold on by eight points against a determined Waratah outfit. The Buffaloes led by one to two goals all night against a team that was expected to fold but wouldn’t. The win makes it four in a row for the Buffaloes, but they face their biggest test of the season to date next weekend against top team, Southern Districts.

Final Score: Darwin Buffaloes 13 14 92 d Waratah 12 12 84

The Crocs themselves pulled away in the second half of their match against the Tiwi Bombers. They started well with a five goal to two first quarter, but six straight goals to the Bombers in the second quarter saw them unexpectedly leading the Southern Districts team at half time. However, a ten goal to four second half saw the Crocs run out comfortable 27 point winners.

Final Score: Southern District Crocs 16 14 110 d Tiwi Bombers 12 11 83

St Mary’s bounced back strongly from their last start defeat to the Crocs by taming the Nightcliff Tigers by 49 points in the Sunday game. Leading at every change, it was a far more determined Saints team which needed to ensure they stayed in the upper reaches of the ladder. The loss for the Tigers places them under increasing pressure to reach the finals with just two wins from six starts to date. This problem is compounded by the fact that they will play Wanderers, Palmerston and Southern Districts in their next three assignments – a tough draw.

Final Score: St Mary’s 18 14 122 Nightcliff Tigers 10 13 73