PALMERSTON has kept its finals hopes alive after defeating Waratah by 14 points in Round 14 of the NTFL Women’s Premier League. The Magpies fell behind in term three but recovered with four unanswered goals in the final period to salute 6.10 (46) to 5.2 (32).

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Still sitting a game outside the top five, Palmerston will hope to bridge the gap in the final four rounds. The Magpies’ win on Saturday looked in peril after poor finishing had them staring at a 10-point deficit with 2.10 on the board come three-quarter time. They found their kicking boots at the ideal moment.

Imports Shannon Murphy and Ella Ward (both two goals) led the way as the victors rallied home, with Murphy’s pair sealing things within the final six minutes. Ex-AFL utility Zimmorlei Farquharson also hit the scoreboard with the first major of the match, while 17-year-old Jorja Davey was at her exuberant best.

The weight of scoring shots (16-7) fell comfortably in Palmerston’s favour, but Imogen Loftes spearheaded Waratah’s go-ahead effort with two goals in the third quarter. Bridget O’Dwyer was named the Tahs’ best in defeat, as they now sit in eighth place with their dwindling finals dream all but over.

Palmerston will go on to face undefeated ladder-leader Nightcliff in Round 15. Southern Districts have the bye, meaning the Magpies can hold hope of snatching fifth when the two sides meet in Round 17. The Crocs also hold a handy percentage buffer heading into the closing home-and-away rounds.

The door also remains open for Palmerston thanks to Darwin’s five-point comeback win over Southern Districts. The Buffs strengthened their hold on fourth spot in what was a tightly run contest, prevailing 8.4 (52) to 7.5 (47) thanks to Ebony Abbot-McCormack‘s winning goal, and three from Jenara Grant.

The remaining two fixtures were not nearly as close, as top three pair St Mary’s and PINT dined out on bottom three sides. The Saints thumped Wanderers by 86 points, while the Greenants defeated Tiwi to the tune of 61 points with both losing teams held goalless. PINT and St Mary’s will meet in Round 15.

ROUND 14 RESULTS

Darwin Buffettes 8.4 (52) def. Southern Districts 7.5 (47)
Palmerston Magpies 6.10 (46) def. Waratah 5.2 (32)
PINT 10.5 (65) def. Tiwi Bombers 0.4 (4)
Wanderers 0.2 (2) def. by St Mary’s 13.10 (88)

Bye: Nightcliff Tigers

NTFL WPL LADDER

1. Nightcliff Tigers | 11-0 | 298.3% | 46 points
2. St Mary’s | 9-2 | 294.6% | 38 points
3. PINT | 9-3 | 285.3% | 38 points
4. Darwin Buffettes | 6-5 | 93.0% | 26 points
5. Southern Districts | 5-6 | 97.3% | 22 points
6. Palmerston Magpies | 4-7 | 89.3% | 18 points
7. Wanderers | 4-8 | 37.8% | 18 points
8. Waratah | 3-8 | 61.9% | 14 points
9. Tiwi Bombers | 1-11 | 49.7% | 4 points

ROUND 15 FIXTURE

PINT vs. St Mary’s
Friday January 16, 6:00pm @ TIO Stadium

Tiwi Bombers vs. Darwin Buffettes
Saturday January 17, 12:00pm @ Tracy Village Oval

Palmerston Magpies vs. Nightcliff Tigers
Saturday January 17, 4:00pm @ Cazalys Arena

Waratah vs. Wanderers
Saturday January 17, 4:30pm @ Gardens Oval

Bye: Southern Districts