Far Northerners get off to great start in NTFL

PORT Douglas ruckman Joshua Wilson got the bragging rights for the AFL Cairns players in the opening round of the Darwin-based NTFL.

Wilson’s Wanderers knocked over Palmerston 12.17 (89) to 11.11 (77).

Wilson, fresh off a flag with the Crocs in the Far North, kicked a goal for the Eagles in the victory.

For Palmerston, Manunda Hawks forward Ezekiel Frank booted a goal, as did new Cairns City Lions playingcoach Aaron Davey and his brother Alwyn.

■ MAREEBA’S Aron Baynes is looking good in the preseason for his new NBA club. His Boston Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets 94-82 in the preseason opener for both teams last week.

Baynes added 10 points and five rebounds and three assists for Boston.

The Celtics also shot 11 of 31 from the three-point line.

■ FORMER Cairns Dolphin and two-time WNBL champion Cayla George made a stunning return to the Townsville Fire as they took down title favourites the Melbourne Boomers in the Victorian capital on Saturday.

She exploded for 17 points and 21 rebounds to inspire her side to a first-up victory.

The former Dolphin in the QBL spent last season in Hungary but never missed a beat in her comeback game.

The humble George was quick to downplay her performance, saying the win took a strong team effort.

“The win was the best part and it was just a bonus that I got to contribute the way that I did,” George said.