IN A thrilling encounter in Round 11 of the NTFL Men’s Premier League, the Tiwi Bombers emerged victorious against St Mary’s, overcoming a half-time deficit to claim a hard-fought 10.7 (67) to 8.12 (60) win.

Inaccuracy played a big part in the game for the reigning premiers, with a see-sawing contest resulting in a change of lead at each break before the Bombers held on for a memorable seven-point victory, handing St Mary’s its second straight loss.

The match started with a tightly contested first quarter, where both teams struggled to convert chances. The Bombers led narrowly at the first break, holding a score of 1.4 (10) to St Mary’s 1.3 (9). However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter as second placed St Mary’s found its rhythm, with an impressive turnaround. They managed to take the lead at half-time, by 16 points while keeping the Bombers scoreless.

The Bombers regrouped after the break, and their resilience paid off. A dominant third quarter saw them significantly improve their scoring with a whopping six goals to two, while their defence tightened up. St Mary’s kicked a rueful 2.4 for the term, and by three-quarter time, Tiwi Bombers had reversed fortunes, leading 7.4 (46) to 5.12 (52), which set the stage for a thrilling finish.

In the final quarter, the Bombers kept the foot down to ensure the Saints did not find a way back in, as both side kicked three goals apiece. Luckily for Tiwi, it maintained its advantage and was able to come away with a crucial four points prior to the Christmas break. The Bombers ate still fifth but just four points off second, while for the Saints, they slipped eight points adrift of standout side, Southern Districts.

Nathaniel Cooper was named best on ground for the Bombers in the win, kicking a couple of goals, as Anthony Munkara slotted three. Fellow ex-AFL players Marlion Pickett and Matthew Parker also impressed in the victory, showing their experience.

For the Saints, Chad Harris and Connor West were a couple of key contributors, while Jackson Calder and Mitch Musgrove each kicked a couple of goals. While the loss just prior to the break will be disappointing for the reigning premiers, they will regroup and prepare for Round 12 action on January 4.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Southern Districts emphatically put an exclamation mark on the end of an impressive 2024 portion of the season campaign, running out 15.18 (108) to 3.5 (23) over Palmerston Magpies. The home team had given the Crocs something to worry about through the first half and only trailed by 22 points, before Southern District flexed its muscles and piled on 11.11 to 2.2 after the main break to storm to an 85-point win at Cazalys Arena.

Nightcliff also got the job done over Wanderers by 47 points, an impressive win considering the Eagles knocked off St Mary’s just a week prior. There was no such luck in Round 11, with the Tigers putting the game to bed by half-time when leading 52-7. While Wanderers was far more competitive after the main break, the final score read 11.12 (78) to 4.7 (31) in favour of the third placed Nightcliff.

In the other result, Waratah ticked off a 37-point victory over PINT at DXC Arena last Friday night. The ‘Tahs lead at every chance, but kicked clear in the final term with three goals to one in the 12.11 (83) to 7.4 (46) win. The red and whites sit fourth to remain two points ahead of Tiwi Bombers, while PINT is back in seventh with a 3-7 record.