TIGERS READY TO MAUL BUFFS IN NTFL TODAY

Gutsy fightback victory revitalises premiership campaign

NIGHTCLIFF’S thrilling comefrom-behind win over St Mary’s last week could be the muchneeded catalyst to kickstart the club’s quest for an elusive Premier League flag, according to coach Chris Baksh.

Baksh believes the rousing three-point victory – engineered by a brilliant goal from former Saints champion Cameron Ilett in the dying seconds – could put the club’s previously spluttering premiership campaign back on track.

“I reckon it could be a bit of a turning point, a win like that,” he said.

“We showed a never-give-up attitude.

“The boys have been really good on the track this week after that win.”

Nightcliff went into the Saints match on the back of a two-game losing streak, but gained a number of crucial players back.

“Julian Lockwood returning gave us a boost, he was away for the two games we lost,” Baksh said.

“Having our centre half forward back really helped our structures and the way we set up and that made a real difference.

“He can also pinch-hit in the ruck.”

With the continual absence of the O’hAilpin brothers, Nightcliff has strengthened its big man department by adding gun SA country ruckman Tony Gibson – who the club will look to to qualify for finals.

“Tony comes in for his first game. He’s a 205cm ruckman from South Australia, so hopefully he’ll help us get our hands first on the ball in the midfield,” Baksh said.

The Tigers run into an unpredictable Darwin Buffaloes side today at Nightcliff Oval in a match that looms as a danger game for the home side. Darwin showed it was capable of matching it with the competition’s best when it knocked off St Mary’s in Round 2, while Nightcliff’s shock 17-point loss to Waratah in Round 5 proved it was susceptible to being upset by an underdog.

Baksh said he was aware of Darwin’s strengths, but his side would also be concentrating on its own game plan.

“They can be a very good side when they are up and going, dangerous on the outside,” he said.

“Defensively we have to make sure we match it with them.

“But it will be like every other game, we will stick to our structures and what we want to do.

“Hopefully we can get our hands on the ball first.”

“They can be a very good side when they are up and going” NIGHTCLIFF COACH CHRIS BAKSH