BEST DAY OUT FOR BOMBERS
JAKE Best was at his best yesterday at Gardens Oval, kicking seven majors for Tiwi in their impressive five-goal win over Waratah.
The Vermont sharpshooter from Melbourne’s Eastern Football League was potent inside forward 50, thanks to a Tiwi midfield that delivered confidently to him.
The NTFL debutante was joined in the forward line by Liam Jurrah, who bagged three goals in his first match of 2017/18.
John Meesen allowed the Bombers first use of the football, with the understanding between the former AFL ruckman and fellow fly-in Josh Finch crucial to Tiwi’s success.
“Once we have genuine rucks and some depth through the midfield, we can get first use out of there and get some decent forward line entry – then we go OK,” coach Brenton Toy said.
Tiwi never gave an understrength Waratah outfit a look-in. A 45-point lead at three-quarter time depicted their dominance.
Adam Tipungwuti was outstanding throughout and exploded midway through the third term with consecutive goals on the run, although Toy said the slightly built Randy Mungatopi was his best.
“(Mungatopi) didn’t kick the seven goals or have key opponents but won just about every contest and I saw him give about four or five efforts on the wing and never gave up,” Toy said.
“For someone his size to compete the way he does is just extraordinary.”
Waratah got within 14 points during the second quarter, but a goal to Jurrah after the half-time siren and another to Best within the first minute of the third term stamped Tiwi’s control.
Sam Wedell was strong for the Warriors in defence, while Ryan Bulluss’ five goals restricted Tiwi’s margin.
Forward Tom Maddocks was impressive in the second half for Michael McLean’s side, kicking three goals in a final term which Waratah won by 15 points.