Tiwi on track as destiny beckons

THE Tiwi Bombers have their sights set on finals football and are now a top-three threat after a 16-point win over a freefalling Buffaloes outfit at TIO Stadium yesterday.

With a top-four spot on the line the Bombers looked sharp as Ross Tungatalum dissected the Buffs’ backline for two quick opening-term goals.

Tungatalum looked to have the NTFL’s goalkicking title in his crosshairs.

However, Adam Sambono, another Dunn trophy contender, answered back with two majors for himself.

The second quarter was a horror show in front of goal, with both sides peppering the less profitable sides of the goalposts.

Tiwi showed flashes of brilliance and the Buffs moments of structure, as Darwin’s height advantage played in its favour through the aerial control of Chris Atkinson and David Johnston.

As scoring dried up, Buffs defender Eddie Trupp held things together while Tiwi’s Jason Puruntatameri was a one-man highlight reel helping his side secure a six-point halftime lead.

The third quarter was the Austin Wonaeamirri show, with the former Demon shaking off an indifferent first half to pour in three majors, including a circus-trick goal off his left foot tight in the pocket giving the Bombers a 20-point lead at the final change.

Two quick goals to the Buffs to start the final term had them back within seven points, and the Bombers looked vulnerable. But Adam Tipungwuti straightened up the Tiwis with his second of the match and Harley Puruntatameri kicked the sealer, before Tungatalum marched in to kick his fourth on the stroke of the final siren.

Clearly best on ground, Tungatalum was the architect of the Buffs’ demise and the conductor of Tiwi’s best moments of play.

Bombers coach Brenton Toy said he was thrilled to escape TIO with a win.

“It’s a fantastic win for us in the scheme of the season because it almost guarantees us a spot in the finals and gives us a look at third,” Toy said.

After being challenged in the final term, Toy praised his side’s mettle to hold off the Buffs.

“It’s a positive sign for us to know that when we are challenged we’re able to respond.

“In previous seasons we have gone back into our shells, but it was great to go back at them when we were challenged,” he said. BUFFALOES V TIWI BOMBERS BEST 1.3 2.7 5.11 8.15 2.4 3.7 9.7 12.7 GOALS