Tiwi Bombers crank up heat to crush Magpies

TIWI coach Brenton Toy described his side’s 62-point victory over Palmerston at Tiwi Oval yesterday as the Bombers’ most complete performance of the season.

Toy’s men were dynamic in hot conditions, dominating Palmerston from the first bounce to claim a 23.18 (156) to 14.10 (94) victory.

Tiwi had run the Magpies ragged by halftime and finished with 12 individual goal kickers in its first home game of 2017/18.

Both sides entered the contest with a 1-3 record, with Palmerston in high spirits having claimed its solitary victory last week against the Darwin Buffaloes.

However, the 2pm start proved difficult for the Magpies to manage having become accustomed to playing under lights in the first four rounds.

The inclusion of John Meesen and Tom McNamara, both tall men with AFL experience, were crucial to the Bombers’ success, as was Josh Finch who starred in the midfield.

“They were massive,” Toy said of the trio.

“We’ve been playing every week without a genuine ruckman and have had to rely on our crafty midfielders to try and win a clearance

“(Yesterday) we had a genuine midfield and a genuine ruck with a second string ruck to do the job for us, which was terrific. Once you add to that depth, it gives everybody else a bit of confidence and obviously worked.”

Almost everything seemed to stick for the Bombers.

Dion Munkara kicked a brilliant goal while off balance as he fell to the ground, one of three in his 101st appearance.

Ross Tungatalum was dangerous throughout, bagging four majors and kicking two within the space of as many minutes midway through the second term.

Both times he had to deal with defenders close to the boundary line and a tight angle at goal.

Forward Des Ugle was Palmerston’s best and finished with six goals. it TIWI BOMBERS V PALMERSTON BEST 5.3 11.7 17.15 23.18 2.4 7.4 9.7 14.10 GOALS UMPIRES