REIGNING back-to-back premier PINT’s dream of a three-peat is over after Nightcliff caused a boilover in the preliminary final, sending the Queen Ants out of the NTFL Women’s Premier Division finals series in straight sets.

Nightcliff won by 18 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday night, coming from a point down at quarter time to lead throughout the rest of the night. The Tigers shook off a second half challenge to post the 7.2 (44) to 4.2 (26) victory.

It was a dour struggle during the first quarter as the favourites took a one-point lead at quarter time with not much between the sides. A dominant second period – which saw the Tigers kick 3.1 to 0.0 – was the difference, outscoring the Queen Ants thanks to 10 inside 50s to two.

In a third term contrast however, it was PINT that dominated the inside 50s count. However unlike Nightcliff, the Queen Ants were unable to capitalise on their forward half dominance with only a Steph Lawrence goal coming from 10 entries, while the Tigers went inside 50 just the once. It did set up an entertaining fourth term with just 13 points separating the combatants.

When Cate Laurie kicked the first goal of the last stanza for PINT, the deficit was just six points. As quickly as that came though, a response from Lucy Northcott up the other end gave the Tigers breathing space. Natasha Tile put the icing on the cake for the underdogs, and while Tayla Hill responded for the Queen Ants to close the gap to 12 points with five and a half minutes remaining, a major in the last two minutes to Gracie Roy put the result beyond doubt.

South Adelaide forward Northcott spearheaded the Nightcliff attack, slotting three goals and was the only multiple goalkicker of the game. She also took three marks from 12 touches and loomed as a threat all game by winning four free kicks.

Gabby Deller (26 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles) starred in the win, as Roy (16 disposals, four marks, one goal) was also prominent. Lekaiya Rabbitt and Christy Landwehr were others who impressed in sending the Tigers through to the decider.

The usual suspects stood up for PINT with AFLW-experienced pair Jasmyn Hewett (18 disposals, three marks, 12 hitouts, four clearances) and Paige Sheppard (18 disposals, five marks, five tackles, five inside 50s and five rebounds 50s) were steadfast in defeat. Reni Hicks (13 disposals, four clearances and five tackles) was also strong through the middle.

PINT 1.1 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 4.2 (26)
NIGHTCLIFF 1.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 7.2 (44)

GOALS:
PINT: T. Hill, R. Huppatz, C. Laurie, S. Lawrence
Nightcliff: L. Northcott 3, C. Landwehr, C. McWilliam, G. Roy, N. Tile

BEST:
PINT: J. Hewett, P. Sheppard, R. Hicks, R. Benham, S. Lawrence
Nightcliff: G. Deller, L. Northcott, G. Roy, C. Landwehr, L. Rabbit