DARREN MONCRIEFFF
Monday 19 March 2012
THE Tiwi Bombers have won an historic premiership after defeating Nightcliff in a pulsating NTFL Premier League Grand Final in Darwin on Saturday night.
The Bombers produced a four-goal last quarter to defeat the Tigers by 14 points, 9.20 (74) to 9.6 (60), to win their first flag after just five years in the top flight.
The win, in front of more than 7000 fans, seals the Tiwi club as a genuine force in Northern Territory football, having played in every finals series since the club's inception and playing its second grand final.
The club has the foundation to build on what it has established: that of a winning culture with solid business and community support.
The Tiwi trademark leg speed ultimately proved too much for Nightcliff on Saturday, although their finish in front of goal could have cost them.
When the game was up for grabs, which it was at the start of the final quarter, the pace of Dion Munkara, Ross Tangatalum and Victorians Corey and Narby Kelly was simply too much for the tiring Tiger midfield.
The quartet's incisive run and dash through the middle and precise delivery put their forwards in the best position to convert, eventually putting the result beyond doubt with five minutes remaining, much to the delight of the countless travelling Tiwi fans and mainland supporters.
Nightcliff's loss was their third grand final defeat in the past 11 seasons, and it will extend the club's 47-year premiership drought.
They weren't disgraced, however. Full-back Jason Roe, formerly of Collingwood and Brisbane Lions, was a rock in defence, keeping the dangerous Ephrem Tipungwuti goalless.
Big-game player Elijah Ware, former of Port Adelaide, was among his side's best players, as was 200-gamer Mark McLean.
Coach Mo Motlop pulled all the moves he could to stem the Tiwi surge that began in the third quarter but the Tiwis would prove irresistable.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 19/03/2012 12:46