Superstars hold on to win Tiwi Islands grand final
TAPALINGA'S Sylvanus Tipiloura has dedicated his Tiwi Island Football League premiership to his late uncle, who passed away two weeks ago.
The Superstars' hard man Tipiloura was a rock for his side as they held on to win yesterday's grand final by eight points, 12.9 (81) to 11.7 (74), at Tiwi Oval in Nguiu on Bathurst Island, north of Darwin.
"I lost my uncle two weeks ago. I wish he was here. This is for him," Tipiloura said. "It's my first premiership with Tapalinga. (But) we nearly lost the game and we got a bit nervous. But we made it. I'm glad."
Tapalinga withstood a late rush by Imalu after some Graham Puruntatameri magic. The veteran forward chimed in with four goals, two in the frantic final term, as the Tigers kept the Superstars goal-less and almost snatched the game they never looked like winning for all of three-and-a-half quarters.
After being held goal-less in the third term, majors to Noel Galarla, Puruntatameri and Camden Ross-Vigona reduced Imalu's 44-point three-quarter-time deficit to just eight before the final siren ended their run.
But credit to the victors, whose daring, run and skill levels were a step above their opponents for the majority of the match. Their tight defence and ability to run the lines, and their spread of goal-kickers -- nine -- caught Imalu off-guard.
Tapalinga's Canis Tippuamantemirri was the go-to man at full-forward and he used his pace and height around the sticks to great effect, booting four goals to set his side up.
Only one goal separated the two sides at quarter-time -- 4.2 to 3.2 -- and Imalu hit back with a goal early in the second but Tapalinga steadied the ship with majors to Robert Cunningham and Shaun Kerinaiua. Cunningham's casual-as-you-like second major -- with a checkside punt off one step some 30m out -- a highlight of the term.
Tapalinga stepped up its intensity in the third term with a barrage of goals from Tippuamantemerri, Nelson Puruntatameri, Bradley Palipuaminni and Tipiloura. Imalu scored just one behind for the quarter.
Seemingly gone for all money, Imalu staged a brave fight back in the final quarter but their heroics weren't enough.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Monday, March 23, 2009
Last Modified on 23/03/2009 04:53