ST MARY’S has boosted its top three chances with a crucial 39-point win over PINT on Friday night. The clash between second and third opened Round 15 of the Men’s Premier League, with the Saints ensuring skipper Dylan Landt would have a milestone game to remember in his 100th appearance.

>> SCROLL for the results, ladder and fixture

The in-form captain was met with a matchup against former-Adelaide livewire James Rowe, who returned to the PINT side. Their duel headlined a mega midfield battle which saw Landt supported by Connor West, while Rowe was flanked by VFL exports Archie Stevens and Jack Brown.

Fellow VFL products Curtis McCarthy and Charlie Offermans also proved to be key difference makers for the Saints, having been named for the first time in the new year. Both players featured among the victors’ bests, while Luke Patterson booted a game-high four goals to spearhead the attack.

After gaining the momentum late in term one, St Mary’s kicked out to a 30-point lead at the main break. That buffer was cut by more than half heading into the final turn, but the Saints held firm to not only shut out PINT in the fourth quarter, but add three more goals to salute 11.13 (79) to 6.4 (40).

The result sees St Mary’s move within a game of PINT in second spot, all while keeping Nightcliff at bay by the same margin below. The race for finals double-chances is set to go down to the wire as Southern Districts sit first, but have three challengers close behind with as many home-and-away rounds left.

Elsewhere in Round 15, Nightcliff stormed back off the bye with a rampant 63-point win over Palmerston. Brett Kennedy booted five goals as the Tigers poured on 13 majors to one across the second and third terms. Jayden Davey was named Palmerston’s best in the heavy defeat.

Waratah’s push to hold onto fifth spot gained another boost with a 31-point win over Wanderers at Gardens Oval. The Tahs led from the first goal and were in control throughout, with the likes of Joel Stevens and Cody Szust (both two goals) showing their class.

Meanwhile, Tiwi continues to apply pressure from sixth after defeating Darwin by 28 points. A six-goal third term proved the difference in the Bombers’ big win. Milestone man and NTFL champion Braedon McLean was named best afield in the win, celebrating his 200th game in style.

PINT 2.2 | 3.2 | 6.4 | 6.4 (40)
ST MARY’S 3.4 | 7.8 | 8.10 | 11.13 (79)

GOALS:
PINT: J. Boyer 2, N. Spiteri 2, J. Rowe, J. Trewin
St Mary’s: L. Patterson 4, D. Landt, C. McCarthy, M. Musgrove, N. Paredes, J. Smithson, X. Vallejo, N. Yarran

BEST:
PINT: J. Boyer, E. Chalmers, J. Rowe, T. Schott, J. Brown, A. Stevens
St Mary’s: C. McCarthy, B. Rioli, C. West, L. Flagg, J. Long, C. Offermans

ROUND 15 RESULTS

PINT 6.4 (40) def. by St Mary’s 11.13 (79)
Tiwi Bombers 12.7 (79) def. Darwin Buffaloes 7.9 (51)
Palmerston Magpies 5.7 (37) def. by Nightcliff Tigers 15.10 (100)
Waratah 10.14 (74) def. Wanderers 6.7 (43)

Bye: Southern Districts 

NTFL MPL LADDER

1. Southern Districts | 10-2 | 158.0% | 42 points
2. PINT | 9-3-1 | 130.2% | 40 points
3. St Mary’s | 9-3 | 183.0% | 38 points
4. Nightcliff Tigers | 8-3-1 | 137.1% | 36 points
5. Waratah | 7-5 | 117.6% | 30 points
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6. Tiwi Bombers | 6-8 | 96.0% | 24 points
7. Darwin Buffaloes | 3-9 | 61.6% | 14 points
8. Wanderers | 2-11 | 48.4% | 10 points
9. Palmerston Magpies | 1-11 | 55.4% | 6 points

ROUND 16 FIXTURE

Nightcliff Tigers vs. Waratah
Friday January 30, 7:00pm @ Nightcliff Oval

Darwin Buffaloes vs. St Mary’s
Saturday January 31, 4:00pm @ TIO Stadium

Southern Districts vs. Wanderers
Saturday January 31, 6:00pm @ Norbuilt Oval

Tiwi Bombers vs. Palmerston Magpies
Saturday January 31, 6:30pm @ TIO Stadium

Bye: PINT