NIGHTCLIFF edged within four points of third spot on the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League ladder after defeating current holders St Mary’s by two points on the weekend. The Saturday night blockbuster clash at TIO Stadium saw both teams desperate to win in what could be a finals-defining match, and it was the yellow and black that got up thanks to greater accuracy, winning 7.9 (51) to 6.13 (49).

It was a see-sawing game from the outset, with the Saints looking to keep in touch with the top two sides, while Nightcliff desperately needed a win in order to move back within striking distance of the Saints. The Tigers started strongly, kicking 3.3 to 2.6 in the opening term, though a two goals to one second quarter in favour of the Saints handed St Mary’s the two-point advantage heading into the rooms at the main break.

Both sides came out with vigour in the second half, but again inaccuracy hurt the Saints, as St Mary’s only converted one goal from five scoring shots, while the Tigers kicked 1.2. Though St Mary’s lead by four points at the last change, Nightcliff continued to press, and kicked 2.1 to 1.1 in the final term to overrun its opponent and record a relieving 7.9 (51) to 6.13 (49) victory.

Bailey Edwards slotted two goals for the Tigers, with the likes of Brodie Filo and Hamish Hartlett also hitting the scoreboard for the winners. Ben Vile was named best-on in the win alongside Edwards and Hartlett, while Luke Wines, Lachlan Huppatz and ex-Docker Ryan Nyhuis also impressed. Jackson Calder kicked the two goals for the Saints, while Matthew Green, Braxton Ah Mat and Brandyn Grenfell stepped up to be among the best in defeat.

PINT’s crucial 18-point win over Darwin shifted the ladder in the lead-up to finals, as the Ants moved to within two points of the fifth placed Buffs. In recording the 10.14 (74) to 8.8 (56) victory, PINT ensured that just eight points separated third from sixth on the table. Captain Matt Ryan and Alex Harvey both kicked three goals for the victors, with the pair named among the best with Thomas Schott. Liam Holt-Fitz booted three goals in defeat, with Daniel Stafford also kicking two, and William Robinson named best-on.

Returning to the field after having to forfeit their Round 15 clash, Tiwi Bombers were no match for ladder leaders, Southern Districts. The Crocs piled on the pressure in a 16.10 (106) to 2.5 (17) result, never looking like losing after a seven goals to one first term. Sam Dunstan had a day out slotting seven goals, with Luke Smith (four) also dominant as the pair were named Southern Districts’ best. The match was ultimately called off late in the third term after a lightning scare nearby and a building storm.

In the standalone Sunday evening clash, Waratah doubled Wanderers score en route to a 12.14 (86) to 6.7 (43) win at Tracy Village. After a tight opening term that saw the red and whites lead by just three points, Waratah booted nine goals to one over the next two quarters to ultimately set up the 43-point win. NTFL All-Stars best on ground medallist Jayden Magro continued his ripping season form with four goals, while Darcy Hope kicked three. Dylan Dos Santos and Brodie Newman worked tirelessly for the Eagles.