BUFFS GET TUFF
Darwin beats St Mary’s in thriller
AN imposing performance by forward-line juggernauts Darren Shillabeer and Hassan Ahmat-Watkins led the Darwin Buffaloes to a 14-point win over St Mary’s in NTFL premier league action yesterday.
The pair kicked six goals between them, while fellow big man Kenny Morton was prolific around the ground for the Double Blues as they reduced the Saints to a 0-2 start to the season.
Tim Eldridge was sensational down back for the Buffaloes, providing excellent rebound from defence, while teammates Jackson Clarke and Cameron and Jarrod Stokes were other standouts as Darwin registered just its second win over the Saints in the past 10 years.
After a slow start, the Buffs worked into the game nicely and finished the stronger of the two sides, booting seven of the last nine goals of the match.
Coach Matt Campbell credited a strong preseason to his side’s ability to run out the game stronger.
“To get the four points was very pleasing but we have still got a lot to work on,” he said.
“We showed our fitness today, the effort to compete was really good.
“Two wins now where we have been able to run over the top and outlast sides is really pleasing.
“When you see your young players stand up in crucial moments and make big tackles and make the right decisions, it shows what we are teaching them is working.”
St Mary’s shot out of the blocks quickly, booting the first three goals of the match courtesy of Justin Cooper, Jack Musgrove and Nic Yarren.
However Darwin was able to work into the game nicely, maintaining possession and transiting the ball smoothly.
St Mary’s held an 11-point margin at both the first and second quarter breaks, but it was the third term where the Buffs started to surge, kicking four goals to two to take a twopoint lead going into the final stanza.
Shillabeer nailed the first two majors of the final quarter to give Darwin all the momentum and when Ahmat Watkins added another, St Mary’s was unable to bridge the gap.
St Mary’s coach Rick Nolan lamented his side’s inability to seize key moments in the game.
“We were rapt with the start … we were three goals to zip and all was good,” he said.
“But we just lapsed at times and let ourselves down at crucial moments.
“We just have to keep improving.”