PALMERSTON Magpies might have missed out on a finals spot by a straight kick, but the black and whites were able to end the NTFL Women’s Premier Division season on a high. They took down second placed St Mary’s in a massive upset to close out the regular home and away season, and while Darwin’s victory over Waratah meant no post-season action for the Magpies, it was still a positive end to an otherwise middling campaign.

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The home team took the early advantage, capitalising on its chances to head into quarter time with a four-point lead and by half-time that had grown to seven. Despite having three less scoring shots, the Magpies were yet to record a blemish with 4.0 (24), compared to the Saints’ 2.5 (17). That would be the tale of the tape, with the Saints kicking a whopping 1.8 in the second half.

Though the Magpies only added one goal themselves – from three scoring shots – in the second half, Palmerston’s opening half precise goalkicking helped secure the victory. Though the 5.2 (32) to 3.13 (31) win had the Magpies temporarily inside the top five, they would not stay there with Darwin regaining fifth spot by the end of the weekend.

Over-ager Marika Carlton booted three goals in her side’s impressive win, named best on ground in the victory. She and fellow Allies representative Danika McDonald starred, while Zimmorlei Farquharson and Alicia Hosking each kicked a major. Aisha Thomas also impressed in the victory. For the Saints, Lexie Cagney and Janet Baird were outstanding despite the disappointing loss.

Darwin snatched up fifth spot on the ladder, securing the last finals spot with a nail-biting low-scoring 1.6 (12) to 1.0 (6) win over Waratah. It meant the ladder did not change from the start of Round 18 and the Buffettes will take on Southern Districts, with the Crocs coming off a 13.11 (89) to 1.1 (7) demolition of wooden spooners, Tiwi Bombers. In the last match of the round, minor premiers Nightcliff kept its unbeaten streak alive with a 3.4 (22) to 2.2 (14) win over title contender, PINT.

ROUND 18 RESULTS

Palmerston Magpies 5.2 (32) def. St Mary’s 3.13 (31)
Southern Districts 13.11 (89) def. Tiwi Bombers 1.1 (7)
Waratah 1.0 (6) def. by Darwin Buffettes 1.6 (12)
PINT 2.2 (14) def. by Nightcliff 3.4 (22)

Bye: Wanderers

NTFL WPL LADDER

1. Nightcliff Tigers | 15-0 | 323.4% | 62 points
2. St Mary’s | 12-3 | 315.9% | 50 points
3. PINT | 10-5 | 231.1% | 42 points
4. Southern Districts | 8-6 | 138.1% | 34 points
5. Darwin Buffettes | 7-8 | 73.7% | 30 points
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6. Palmerston Magpies | 6-9 | 90.6% | 26 points
7. Waratah | 4-11 | 58.9% | 18 points
8. Wanderers | 4-11 | 31.1% | 18 points
9. Tiwi Bombers | 2-13 | 48.2% | 8 points

FINALS WEEK 1 FIXTURE

Southern Districts vs. Darwin Buffettes
Saturday February 21, 2:15pm @ TIO Stadium

St Mary’s vs. PINT
Saturday February 21, 4:30pm @ TIO Stadium