NTFL ROUND FOUR PREMIER LEAGUE WRAP-UP: BY - JACKSON CLARK A rampant Nightcliff outlasted Tiwi Bombers in a high-scoring shoot-out on the Islands on Sunday. The 25.17 (167) to 18.15 (123) win means the Tigers remain unbeaten after four rounds of NTFL action in what has been an impressive start for the club. The visitors were faultless early in the piece and rocketed out to a 32-point lead at the opening change. They would increase this deficit in the second and third quarters and effectively seal the match by three quarter time. The Bombers showed some fight in the last quarter to add respectability to the scoreboard but it was purely academic as the four points was already in the paw of the Tigers. Former Richmond rookie-listed player Gibson Turner has been a revelation so far for Nightcliff and his performance on the weekend was no exception with another terrific outing. He booted five goals and was part of a formidable partnership up forward with Desmond Nandy (six goals) and Deon Gordon (four). A sluggish Southern Districts overcame a spirited Palmerston side in the early game of a triple-header at TIO Stadium on Saturday. There is no doubting that the Crocs entered the contest as the more talented side on paper but it took until the final term for the boys from the bush could insert its authority on the match. Palmerston buoyed by the inclusion of former Essendon player Leroy Jetta were fast starters and led at quarter time. But the Crocs regrouped after the first change and were able to recapture the lead before the main break. Just when it looked as though Districts could potentially run away with the match, Magpies young gun Kiedan Holt-Tubbs stood tall in the third term with an impressive forwards display which resulted in three goals. But ultimately his efforts were not enough as the more experienced Districts players pulled their side over the line with a five goal to one last term. Jordan Souter looks an unlikely type but has slipped under the radar this year and found plenty of the football on the weekend. Kristian Papertalk was lively in his first game while draft prospect Marcus Hamilton was also impressive and showed why he is rated by recruiters around the country. Wanderers responded from a slow start to beat Waratah by a goal in the middle game at TIO Stadium. The Eagles trailed by 20 points at quarter time but worked its way back into the match to be level with its opponents during the second quarter. Shannon Motlop provided a highlight during the third term with a superb goal from deep in the pocket at the grandstand side of the McMillans road end. Approaching the final change, there was very little separating either side and it shaped as a cracking last quarter. But the class of the Eagles reigned supreme, which led to its second win of the season. Thomas Motlop continued his good start to the season and again featured prominently in the goal kickers list. Chris Dunne was his usual dangerous self up forward and yet again proved that defenders cannot afford to give him an inch, such is his superb reading of the play. Waylen Manson was a shining light up forward for Waratah with five goals, despite still looking hindered with an upper leg injury. In the late game, St Marys did just enough to account for a determined Buffaloes outfit. Both sides stood for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Joshua Hardy, who lost his life in tragic circumstances last week in Melbourne. Hardy had strong links with both clubs and it was terrific to see him honoured by both the clubs. The match itself never reached any great heights with the reigning premier wasting many opportunities on goal. Despite the Buffaloes never refusing to give up, St Marys won 13.20 (98) to 11.6 (72) to also remain unbeaten. Justin “the ferret” Wilson was exceptional early on in the contest while Raph Clarke and Ben “the Rolls-Royce” Ah Mat were silky-smooth with the football. Tim Eldridge was Buffaloes’ best player yet again with the 20-year-old enjoying a superb season thus far. Eldridge is highly respected at the double-blues with the speedster also coaching the club’s U12 team and leading from the front with his performances in the Premier League.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 22:00:01 +0000
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