World Footy News

In the final round of NTFL matches in Darwin prior to the Christmas/New Year break, the young Nightcliff Tigers took positive steps to the future, the Tiwi Bombers enhanced their finals prospects whist the top two teams, Saints and Crocs, pulled a little further ahead of the competition.

The Nightcliff Tigers have taken a youth development approach this season as they look towards a long term success, and their latest debutant, Isiah Farrell-Nelson, proved that the results are worthwhile. His six goal haul on debut contributed greatly to the Tigers’ big 134 point thrashing of the Waratah Warriors. The win sees Nightcliff jump into the top five, joining the Tiwi Bombers, Palmerston Magpies and Wanderers Eagles on five wins. Waratah’s horrid season continued, though they can take heart from the Nightcliff youth project as they build towards next season.

Final Score: Nightcliff Tigers 24 18 162 d Waratah Warriors 4 4 28

After six rounds the Tiwi Bombers sat winless and facing a long season. Since then things have turned around in a hurry. They have won four of their last five as well as receiving the points from their Round One match against Waratah. Suddenly, after a big win against a flagging Darwin Buffaloes, the Bombers sit in fourth place by means of a superior percentage. Their upset win against Buffaloes was built around a huge eight goals to one first quarter, leading at the first break by 46 points before going on to win the match by 61 points. After seven successive wins, the Buffaloes have now lost two in a row and seem shaky.

Final Score: Tiwi Bombers 14 15 99 d Darwin Buffaloes 5 8 38

St Mary’s consolidated their position at the top of the ladder with a strong win against the Palmerston Magpies. The teams were separated by just three goals at half time, but a nine goal to one second half saw the Saints flex their muscle, especially defensively. Whilst the Magpies upset the Crocs last start, the reality is they have lost four of their last five matches and face the prospect of missing the finals unless they can get their mojo back after the break. Saints are now a game clear of Crocs at the top of the ladder but still need to keep winning.

Final Score: St Mary’s Saints 15 12 102 d Palmerston Magpies 4 11 35

Last year’s premiers, Wanderers, have slumped to another loss which consigns them to second last on the ladder. Their second half capitulation to Southern Districts painted a grim picture that suggests that a late season revival is still possible but increasingly unlikely. The fact that Wanderers kicked just one goal after quarter time showed a lack of attacking ability. Whilst they are equal with the Tiwi Bombers (placed fourth) on points, their form is light years behind. Crocs needed the win to remain in touch with top placed St Mary’s.

Final Score: Southern Districts Crocs 15 9 99 d Wanderers Eagles 5 2 32

Teams now have a three week break to spend with families and lick wounds as they prepare for a final assault on finals. The next round will see the Tiwi Bombers hoping to consolidate their place in the five with a win against Waratah. Wanderers task becomes tougher with a clash against St Mary’s, Southern Districts take on a resurgent Nightcliff and Buffaloes will be hoping for a steadying win against Palmerston.