Bombers hit target as Saints cop a hiding

TIWI Bombers made a big statement heading into the first week of Premier League finals with an 87-point demolition over a young St Mary’s side.

The heavy lifting was done early by the Bombers, who kicked seven goals to one in the first term, including two almost identical efforts from Austin Wonaeamirri, while Simon Munkara, also with two early majors, was the Bombers’ best for the quarter.

Tiwi held a commanding 40 point lead but selflessness cost them some early goals.

However, Coach Brenton Toy said once the game was on their terms, his players lost sight of the team’s values.

“We kicked a big score and did things well, I thought that was great,” he said.

“But for me, when we did get in front we did get ahead of ourselves, we did the flashy things, we didn’t do the team things … they’re the things we’ll talk about to make sure we get them right for next week.”

Wonaeamirri kicked his third to start off the second term, while Jason Puruntatameri, playing up forward instead of his usual full back post due to injury, kicked his second and the Bombers’ second for the term.

While the game remained open with a lot of end to end play, the scoreboard slowed down as the Bombers added just two more majors for the term, while Baden Nicholls and Mathias Liddy presented up forward for the Saints.

Saints skipper Jack Long started off the second half in forgetful fashion, as he was reported for a late hit which then evolved into a minor scuffle in the Bombers’ forward line, with Tiwi making the most of Long’s misconduct and kicking further away.

Physically, the Saints remained in the contest but they couldn’t hit the scoreboard, while Tiwi added just three majors.

In the last quarter, with the game all but over, Wonaeamirri kicked his fourth goal, putting him level with best on ground Puruntatameri, while Roy Farmer ran all day long, hitting every contest hard.

Tiwi will go into the first week of finals confident it can match it with anyone it faces on the way to the premiership cup.

Meanwhile it was the final stake in what was a long season for St Mary’s.