Bombers hit stride but big challenges ahead
PALMERSTON V TIWI BOMBERS BEST 1.2 4.2 7.5 9.5 8.1 11.6 14.9 21.13 GOALS UMPIRES BRENTON Toy now has the recipe for Tiwi success, but admits he may have found it too late.
The Bombers swept to consecutive victories for the first time in the 2017/18 NTFL Premier League yesterday after an eight-goal first quarter set up an 80-point win against Palmerston.
Toy’s men continued on from last week’s second half against St Mary’s, in which they kicked 92 points, eliminating the young Magpies chances within the opening 15 minutes.
To Palmerston’s credit, they held firm in the second and third quarters which remained relatively even. However, Tiwi kicked the final five goals of the contest to reassert their dominance.
Dion Munkara finished with three majors and again starred, as did fly-in Liam Finch in the midfield.
Virgil Puruntatameri was a pillar in defence, while John Meesen’s presence in the ruck proved vital. Toy said his club had finally constructed a consistent routine, and it was paying dividends
“Their mindsets are a lot more relaxed because of it,” he said. “We have got our routines pretty much down pat, coming in and travelling, and with our accommodation.
“Our rotations, people understand that, they understand our style of play. Maybe it’s coming together at the right time, but maybe it’s come together too little, too late and we might have to start shifting our focus to next year.”
The win moved the Bombers equal fifth with Waratah, who play Nightcliff at Gardens Oval today.
Tiwi face the Waratah Warriors in the final round at Tracy Village, which could prove a shootout for the final playoff spot.
“We have got Southern Districts, St Mary’s and Waratah in the last three rounds, but I don’t think any team has got an easy run home,” Toy said.
“That’s going to be tough for us, but Waratah have an equally tough draw as well.
“I think we need to just stay in front of Wanderers (seventh), pull back Waratah a peg and try and creep up on Saints (fourth) and we might be a chance.
“But the focus is week-toweek footy, going out enjoying it and playing our style of footy and if the result goes our way, then good.” WARATAH NIGHTCLIFF TODAY, 4PM, GARDENS OVAL