NIGHTCLIFF has edged ahead on top of the NTFL Men’s Premier League ladder with a huge 57-point victory over Wanderers at TIO Stadium last weekend. The Tigers slammed home 13 goals in the first half to put the game to bed early, eventually coming away with a 20.8 (128) to 10.11 (71) win in Round 3 of the competition.

From the very start it was clear the game was set to be one-sided despite the teams both having 1-1 records coming into the contest. The Tigers booted 7.2 to 1.2 to lead by six goals at the first break, before keeping the foot down to kick another six goals to two in the second term and open up a massive 61-point margin.

The game tightened up after half-time much to Wanderers’ credit, with the leaders only adding a further three goals to Wanderers’ two in the third term. The Eagles gained some vital percentage back with a fighting fourth term as well, kicking five goals to four to cut the deficit back to under 10 goals, a great effort considering what the match looked like at half-time.

Cody Szust kicked five goals in the win for the Tigers, while Brett Kennedy and Michael Mummery both kicked three among 10 individual goalkickers. Szust was named in the best alongside Adrian Scott and Zachary Moody. For Wanderers, Mahli King kicked three and Marlon Motlop two, while Matthew Motlop was nominated as his side’s best.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

PINT won a one-point thriller over Waratah at Gardens Oval under lights, kicking a more accurate 10.9 (69) to 9.14 (68). Skipper Matt Ryan booted three goals in the clutch win, while Steven Motlop was a star all game as the Green Ants held on for victory. Brodie Carroll was the pick of the ‘Tahs on this occasion.

St Mary’s also held off a determined Southern Districts to pick up the points in a two-goal win. The Saints trailed at quarter time, but a six goals to four second term turned that around and they never looked back. Jackson Calder booted four majors, while Darcy Chirgwin was best on ground. Ex-GIANT and Eagle Jarrod Brander kicked four goals in defeat.

Tiwi Bombers picked up their first victory of the season with a 43-point win over Palmerston Magpies at TIO Stadium. Kicking five goals to nil in the first term set up the win, with Kim Kantilla best on ground thanks to a four-goal haul, while former Bomber Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked two majors. Ashton Hams was the best of the Magpies.

COMING UP – ROUND 4

Palmerston Magpies host Darwin Buffaloes tomorrow night at Cazaly’s Arena, with the Buffs the only undefeated team and are coming off a bye. Palmerston on the other hand is the sole team without a win. On Saturday, Southern Districts take on PINT, with Nightcliff facing Tiwi Bombers. Both those games are a double-header at TIO Stadium. Wrapping up the weekend is Wanderers up against St Mary’s at Tracy Village Oval, while Waratah has the bye.