SOUTHERN Districts will take top spot into the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Christmas break after downing the second placed Waratah by 28 points on Saturday. The Crocs led from the first goal, which came within just 20 seconds off the boot of Ronald Fejo, and maintained the ascendancy at Gardens Oval in an impressive 15.10 (100) to 11.6 (72) victory.

Despite seven majors from competition leading goalkicker Jayden Magro, the Warriors could not quite match the Crocs’ scoring power, while WAFL star Jye Bolton dominated in the victors’ midfield. Districts now take a six-point lead into the break, riding a wave of seven consecutive victories into the six-week run before finals.

Elsewhere, a famous Territory name was put in the spotlight as Calvin Peris Chong made his Premier League debut for Nightcliff. The 16-year-old represented the NT at this year’s National Development Championships, and previously turned out for the Tigers’ Under 16 and 18 outfits. Opposing side Palmerston also fielded young guns Alijah Davey (son of Alwyn) and Clay Shadforth.

Peris Chong’s lone goal helped his Tigers claim a 12-point win over the Magpies, snapping a five-game skid. It was a day of celebration for the victors, who boasted milestone men Shaun Wilson and Daniel Bowles. They didn’t have it all their own way though, made to work back from single-digit deficits at each break to sneak home via three final-quarter goals. Wilson and Brodie Filo were instrumental.

St Mary’s and Darwin finished as the round’s other winners, both strengthening their standing among the top five. The Saints were made to fight for their 14-point win over PINT in a heated game which adds to the Greenants’ collection of close losses. Nate Paredes and Lucas Jellyman-Turner were among the top Saints afield, avenging their Round 3 loss to the top flight newcomers.

Six points adrift to St Mary’s, Darwin knocked off the last placed Tiwi Bombers on Saturday afternoon. The Buffs were challenged but kicked away with five goals to nil in the final quarter to win by 58 points, with Liam Whelan and Liam Holt-Fitz each booting three majors. Meanwhile, Jarrod Stokes led from the front, while Mitch Robinson and Thomas Jok enjoyed strong games in midfield. Stanley Tipiloura snared four goals in the losing effort for Tiwi.

NTFL competitions are set to return on January 7, with the Men’s Premier League Round 13 awaiting. After their ninth loss in 10 games, the Bombers will have an extra week off through the bye, while Darwin and St Mary’s get things back underway at TIO Stadium.

NTFL MPL ROUND 12 RESULTS:

Tiwi Bombers 1.4 | 2.7 | 7.8 | 7.10 (52)
Darwin Buffaloes 3.2 | 8.5 | 11.10 | 16.14 (110)

Waratah 3.2 | 7.3 | 8.5 | 11.6 (72)
S. Districts 6.2 | 9.4 | 11.9 | 15.10 (100)

Nightcliff 0.1 | 1.5 | 5.8 | 8.11 (59)
Palmerston 1.2 | 3.2 | 6.4 | 7.5 (47)

St Mary’s 1.3 | 3.7 | 5.11 | 9.14 (68)
PINT 3.3 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.6 (54)

Bye: Wanderers