REIGNING NTFL Women’s Premier League champions PINT survived an almighty scare from St Mary’s in the grand final rematch over the weekend, securing a narrow three-point victory over the Saints. In what was the Queen Ants’ second narrow win from three games, PINT remained undefeated from the opening three rounds, kicking straighter than its opposition on the way to a 7.4 (46) to 6.7 (43) victory.

PINT found itself in an unfamiliar circumstance, trailing at each break before a big second half saw the Queen Ants pile on five goals to one and come from behind to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Prior to that, it looked like St Mary’s – who had lost its Round 1 match to Nightcliff before having a bye – would cause a huge boilover.

The Saints lead by 12 points at quarter time and that margin had expanded out to 21 points by the main break. A three goals to nil third term in favour of the Queen Ants cut the deficit to a sole behind, which was enough for PINT to go on with it, kicking the final two goals of the match in the late stages to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Star inclusion and ex-AFLW talent Iilish Ross was best on ground in the win, leading from the front and hitting the scoreboard as well. Forward Steph Lawrence slotted two majors as the only multiple goalkicker for her side, with the likes of Casey Morris, Cate Laurie and Alexandra Duff also converting majors. The match-winner came from Zhoe Clarke in the 15th minute of the fourth quarter.

Aside from Ross, the experience of her teammate and West Adelaide skipper Madison Russell was crucial, while Lawrence kicking those crunch goals and Reni Hicks another of the Queen Ant standouts for the Round 3 win.

Bottom-ager Shakaila Gardiner-Dunn and Grace Senior also kicked a couple of goals in defeat, while Tui Wineti and Monet Hunter hit the scoreboard as well for the Saints. Keyshia Matenga and Paula Pavic were among the better St Mary’s players with Ahlee Penry and Gardiner-Dunn also eye-catching.

PINT 1.2 | 2.2 | 5.4 | 7.4 (46)
ST MARY’S 3.2 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.7 (43)

GOALS:
PINT: S. Lawrence 2, A. Duff, C. Laurie, C. Morris, I. Ross, Z. Clarke
St Mary’s: S. Gardiner-Dunn 2, T. Wineti

RMC BEST:
PINT: I. Ross, R. Hicks, M. Russell, S. Lawrence, E. Grundon
St Mary’s: K. Matenga, P. Pavic, A. Penry, S. Gardiner-Dunn, K. Whittaker

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Palmerston Magpies made it two wins from as many matches with a three-goal win over Darwin at Cazaly’s Arena. The Magpies trailed throughout the first half, but then kicked five of the last six goals to post a 5.5 (35) to 2.5 (17) win.

Bottom-age jet Marika Carlton and ex-Port player Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap each kicked a goal for the winners, while Ella Ward and Erica Rowe were named among the best on ground for the Magpies. Kiara Henry kicked both of Darwin’s majors, while Roxy Beuzeville and Molly Althouse were standouts for the Buffettes.

Tiwi Bombers bounced back from last week’s loss to PINT by defeating Southern Districts to the tune of nine points. The Bombers had a fast start to lead by 15 at the first break, then held the Crocs at arms-length thereafter en route to the 6.5 (41) to 4.8 (32) victory.

Glenelg premiership skipper Ellie Kellock produced another best on ground display with Bays teammate Shay’Lee Dayman and small forward Maria Rioli both among the best. Eva Harris kicked all four of the Crocs’ goals, while Emma Forsyth was her side’s best player.

In the final game, Nightcliff had the most convincing win of the weekend, knocking off Waratah by 41 points. The Tigers had to overcome an early challenge and a narrow six-point lead at quarter time before booting the only five goals of the last three quarters to win. 8.7 (55) to 2.2 (14).

Cassie McWilliam had a day out booting four majors, while Charlotte D’Ambrosio slotted two. Gabby Deller and Maddy Rasmussen were outstanding for the yellow and black. Brittany Daly and Madeleine Jeans caught the eye in defeat for the ‘Tahs.