World Footy News

The end of Round 9 signalled the middle of the season. With nine rounds down and nine to go and many fascinating scenarios which could play out in the second half of the season, this is shaping as another exciting run to the finals. In a season which has already become known for its evenness and close results, three teams share top spot on wins, and just a game separates fourth place from seventh.

The weekend results did not yield any very close games, yet those results have made for a very close competition.

The Tiwi Bombers hosted the Waratah Warriors at their Wurrumiyanga home on Bathurst Island. Bad kicking is deemed bad football, and the Bombers all but handed Waratah a “Get Out Of Jail” card, kicking 19 behinds. But they were good enough to overcome a half time deficit to record a much needed 23 point win.

Final Score: Tiwi Bombers 7 19 61 d Waratah Warriors 5 8 38

St Mary’s announced themselves as a serious flag threat again when they comfortably put away last year’s premiers, Wanderers. The eagles started well with a two goal quarter time lead, and trailed Saints by just a point at the main break. Four points separated the teams at the final change, but St Mary’s put the foot to the floor and ran way to a 42 point win, holding a share of top place and consigning Wanderers to fifth place and a battle ahead to stay there.

Final Score: St Mary’s 13 13 91 d Wanderers 7 7 49

Buffaloes made it seven wins in a row with a comfortable win against the Palmerston Magpies to the tune of 64 points. The Buffaloes lead all day against the fourth placed Magpies and have now set up a three game buffer between third and fourth place. Their streak has seen them beat all teams bar Saints, which they play next weekend. The loss for the Magpies still sees them hold fourth place, but they are not safe there and must get back on the winners list next start against top side Southern Districts to stay in the top five.

Final Score: Darwin Buffaloes 14 15 99 d Palmerston Magpies 4 11 35

Southern Districts kept their grip on top spot with a resounding win against the Nightcliff Tigers by 76 points. The Crocs built their lead at every change and got a handy percentage boost which will be invaluable should they, Saints and Buffaloes remain close on wins heading towards season’s end. The Tigers now must win to stay firmly in the final’s race. Like the teams surrounding them on equal points, each loss can place their season in jeopardy.

Final Score: Southern Districts Crocs 19 12 126 d Nightcliff Tigers 7 8 50