NIGHTCLIFF and Darwin were the winners out of week one in the 2020/21 Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Women’s Premier League finals series, both triumphing in their bouts on Saturday. The Tigers sent reigning premier Southern Districts packing in an entertaining elimination dig, while St Mary’s will have to lean on its double chance after being blown away by an impressive Darwin Buffettes unit. That, and more in our weekend wrap.

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SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 0.3 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5.6 (36)
NIGHTCLIFF 3.0 | 4.1 | 6.2 | 9.4 (58)

GOALS:

Districts: N/A
Nightcliff: L. Gooden 3, K. Irvine 2, J. Anyon-Smith 2, M. Ward, K. Hill-Carter

Nightcliff ended the defence of reigning premier Southern Districts on Saturday afternoon, running out 22-point victors in a mature performance. The Tigers burst out of the blocks with three unanswered goals in the opening term to establish a strong buffer, before holding firm and running out 9.4 (58) to 5.6 (36) winners. The Tigers’ running game and ability to lock the ball in their forward half held sway in the end, making for a lifting elimination triumph. Lauren Gooden led the attack with three majors, combining well with Kristy Irvine (two goals) and Mickayla Ward (one) in the forward half. Emily Casey and Sophie Hatzismalis also continued their good form at the pointy end of the season as Nightcliff look to time their peak perfectly. St Mary’s awaits for the yellow and black side.

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DARWIN 3.5 | 6.6 | 11.9 | 16.10 (106)
ST MARY’S 1.0 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 5.3 (33)

GOALS:

Darwin: A. Bush 6, M. Ellis 4, M. Althouse 2, M. Sliwinski, K. Duggan, D. Ah Wang, K. Remfrey
St Mary’s: M. Long 3, I. Porter, K. Dann

Darwin sent a statement to its competition with a comprehensive 73-point qualifying final victory over St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon, setting up a semi final meeting with undefeated minor premier, Pint. The Buffettes led by over three goals at half time, but did most of their damage thereafter with 10 goals to the Saints’ three. Quick entries inside 50 allowed instinct and individual brilliance to take over for Darwin, whose win totalled 16.10 (106) to 5.3 (33). VFLW-bound talent Ashanti Bush booted six goals in the win, backed strongly by four majors from Michelle Ellis. Machaelia Roberts and Kirstin Remfrey were also among the Buffs’ best, while Michaela Long snared three goals for St Mary’s and teammate Alana Coombes was among the best players afield with Isabelle Porter.

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WEEK TWO FIXTURES

Semi Final 1:
St Mary’s vs. Nightcliff
Saturday March 6, 12:15pm
TIO Stadium

Semi Final 2:
Pint vs. Darwin Buffettes
Saturday March 6, 2:15pm
TIO Stadium

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Image Credit: Che Chorley/NT News