DARREN MONCRIEFF
Thursday 15 December 2011
PLAYING home games on the Tiwi Islands was part of the original pitch that saw the Tiwi Bombers become the first Indigenous club to join a major Australian football league three years ago.
But for the first time since joining the Northern Territory Football League, the island side may be unable to play a home game this season.
Four matches had been scheduled for Nguiu Oval at Nguiu, the isand's largest centre, this season.
But a lack of resources to help with the upkeep of the oval to NTFL standard, the wet season weather and traffic has forced the league to shift matches back to the mainland due to the state of the ground.
Matches against Waratahs (round 2), Darwin (round 7) and St Mary's (round 11) have all been moved to Darwin.
There is some doubt now of the Bombers' round 13 match against Southern Districts on the islands.
But Tiwi Bombers club development manager, Peter Atkinson said there remains hope of that game being held on the islands.
"We are still hopeful of playing the round 13 match against Southern Districts at Nguiu Oval," he said.
"The Nguiu Shire Council has been making a big effort to fix the ground and a decision will be made after another NTFL inspection on the Monday prior to the scheduled fixture.
"It is not just the oval surface as I understand it but also safety matters linked to the goal and point post bases."
Atkinson said there was a feeling of disappointment at the situation.
"The feeling around the club has been one of disappointment, particularly from the aspect of the team performing at its spiritual home and the missed opportunity for all Tiwi people to see a live match," he said.
"I understand from the Tiwi coach, the oval is not being used for training but may still be getting Tiwi Islands Football League match traffic. Weather will be an uncontrollable factor in the surface rehabilitation. The ground work has been going on now for some time."
Formerly Stanley Tipiloura Oval, the Tiwi people changed the name back to Nguiu Oval 18 months ago for cultural reasons.
The Bombers and St Mary's will play their round 11 match at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 15/12/2011 16:10