DARREN MONCRIEFF
Monday 19 March 2012
TUYU Buffaloes have defeated staunch rivals Imalu to win its first Tiwi Islands Football League premiership in seven years at Nguiu on Sunday.
The Buffaloes controlled play for much of the game but had to withstand a Tiger fightback and held on to win by 13 points, 12.12 (84) to 11.5 (71).
It was double the joy for Tuyu pair Rupert Pupangamiri and Dion Munkara who had won the NTFL premiership with Tiwi Bombers in Darwin the day before.
But it was a bittersweet day for Imalu's Joseph Bourke who was awarded the Brother John Pye Medal as best-on-ground.
Tuyu came from third on the league ladder to win the premiership.
Second-placed Imalu advanced to the big game after defeating minor premiers Muluwurri (in the second semi-final) who went out in straight sets after coming up against the Buffaloes in the preliminary final.
Grand final day on the islands is such an explosion of colour and sound and the on-field play lived up to the hype.
The islanders were thrilled to see AFL premiership player, former Sydney Swans forward, Michael O'Loughlin, and Northern Territorian Xavier Clarke, who retired from AFL football recently, at the game yesterday.
The match was played at a sizzling pace in overcast but dry conditions.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 19/03/2012 13:00