PINT has strengthened its standing among the Women’s Premier League top three after defeating fellow finals contender Southern Districts by eight points as the NTFL returned on Saturday. The Queenants left it late, but were able to exact revenge for their Round 4 loss against the Crocs.

>> SCROLL for the results, ladder and fixture

Champion ruck Jasmyn Hewett kicked the go-ahead goal as PINT came from behind in the final quarter, before competition leading goalkicker Steph Lawrence slotted the sealer with around 10 minutes left on the clock. Both players finished with two majors in the victory.

Southern Districts had straightened up out of the main break to boot three straight goals in term three, having only managed five first-half behinds. The Queenants proceeded to pile on three unanswered majors of their own thereafter to salute 5.2 (32) to 3.5 (23).

The result sees PINT maintain its percentage gap to third-placed St Mary’s, who picked up four points via a forfeit win. “Logistical challenges” meant the Saints’ match against Tiwi did not proceed as scheduled, with the Bombers withdrawing before gameday.

Elsewhere, Nightcliff maintained its rage with a 64-point thumping of Darwin. Cassie McWilliam bagged three goals for the Tigers, who remain undefeated atop the ladder. Palmerston was another big winner, downing Wanderers by 76 points as Emma Keys and Shannon Murphy dined out on three goals apiece. 

Round 14 will see ladder leader Nightcliff have the bye, while Southern Districts take on Darwin in what shapes as the game of the weekend. All four fixtures are slated for a super Saturday of action, with the Buffs-Crocs clash opening a double-header at TIO Stadium.

PINT 0.0 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 5.2 (32)
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 0.2 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 (23)

GOALS:
PINT: J. Hewett 2, S. Lawrence 2, E. Pinnuck
Southern Districts: K. O’Keefe 2, G. Whittaker

BEST:
PINT: J. Hewett, R. Tierney, H. Tucker, E. Grundon, S. Lawrence, J. Eldridge
Southern Districts: A. Smythe, B. Clarke, K. Grady, E. Forsyth, E. Luchetti, G. Whittaker

>> NTFL MPL: Crocs crush Greenants, reclaim top spot

ROUND 13 RESULTS

Tiwi Bombers 0.0 (0) def. by St Mary’s 0.0 (60) [FORFEIT]
PINT 5.2 (32) def. Southern Districts 3.5 (23)
Palmerston Magpies 13.5 (83) def. Wanderers 1.1 (7)
Darwin Buffettes 0.2 (2) def. by Nightcliff Tigers 9.12 (66)

Bye: Waratah

NTFL WPL LADDER

1. Nightcliff Tigers | 11-0 | 298.25% | 46 points
2. PINT | 8-3 | 261.67% | 34 points
3. St Mary’s | 8-2 | 253.96% | 34 points
4. Southern Districts | 5-5 | 98.17% | 22 points
5. Darwin Buffettes | 5-5 | 91.02% | 22 points
6. Wanderers | 4-7 | 41.55% | 18 points
7. Palmerston Magpies | 3-7 | 85.56% | 14 points
8. Waratah | 3-7 | 61.23% | 14 points
9. Tiwi Bombers | 1-10 | 53.69% | 4 points

ROUND 14 FIXTURE

Saturday January 10

Darwin Buffaloes vs. Southern Districts @ TIO Stadium
Palmerston Magpies vs. Waratah @ TIO Stadium
PINT vs. Tiwi Bombers @ DXC Arena
Wanderers vs. St Mary’s @ TIO Stadium Oval 2

Bye: Nightcliff Tigers