World Footy News

Last year Wanderers pulled off the fairy-tale finish that clubs dream of. From sitting outside the top five to premiers in just a matter of weeks was a remarkable footy story. But lightning rarely strikes the same place twice, and as the NTFL season went to the recent summer break, Wanderers again sat outside the top five and had to rely on another barnstorming finish to see finals action.

Last week they took out the second placed St Mary’s, squeaking home by just three points. This weekend they took yet another step towards the unlikely when they brought down the relentless Nightcliff Tigers by just two points. The pair of post-break wins has Wanderers right back in the action, but more importantly they are back in form. They are also back into the top five, leapfrogging both the Tiwi Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes.

Final Score: Wanderers Eagles 15 7 97 d Nightcliff Tigers 14 11 95

The Palmerston Magpies had endured a horrid week in the wake of the Essendon doping scandal CAS findings which saw former Bomber and magpies coach Alwyn Davey and star former Essendon recruit Leroy Jetta suspended until early 2017. But they replied in the best possible fashion by downing the Tiwi Bombers comfortably by 40 points. The win saw them leap into third place on the ladder and mount a strong case for finals action. The loss for the Bombers was costly as it dropped them back to sixth place and a tough remaining draw with no more home games on Bathurst Island and only two more matches at every club’s “home” ground at TIO Stadium.

Final Score: Palmerston Magpies 16 11 107 d Tiwi Bombers 10 7 67

The Darwin Buffaloes are now in a dangerous place after losing their match against the Southern Districts Crocs. After losing their two opening games of the season, the Buffaloes went on a seven game winning spree, raising hopes of some long overdue finals action. But recent matches have seen four consecutive losses and the Buffaloes now hold fifth place by the skin of their teeth, equal on points with both Palmerston and Wanderers but with a receding percentage. Next weekend’s clash against second place St Mary’s might yet be an early finals match for the Buffaloes. The win for Southern Districts keeps them on top of the ladder by a narrow percentage margin over the Saints.

Final Score: Southern Districts Crocs 19 13 127 d Darwin Buffaloes 8 18 66

St Mary’s kept their eyes on another possible minor premiership when they hammered the bottom side, Waratah. The win keeps them in a neck and neck race for top spot with the Crocs and the big win improved their percentage further, which could be invaluable closer to the finals. Once again Waratah showed great spirit and trailed by just 28 points at the main break – a trait they have often shown this season. But they couldn’t maintain the pressure as Saints ran away with the match in the second half.

Final Score: St Mary’s Saints 19 9 123 d Waratah Warriors 8 5 53

Next weekend’s matches will see the Nightcliff Tigers battle the Tiwi Bombers, St Mary’s will clash with the Darwin Buffaloes, Palmerston Magpies meet the Southern District Crocs and Waratah will play the rejuvenated Wanderers.