Finals action kicked off across Northern Territory Football League at the weekend, with a number of district exports strutting their stuff on the big stage.
In the Premier Women’s competition, Nathalia’s Reni Hicks and Waaia’s Cassie Henderson starred for Pint in its heartbreaking three-point loss to Darwin Buffaloes in the qualifying final.
A low-scoring affair from start to finish, the pair was at its prominent best throughout the four quarters and was recognised as the Queenants’ two best players on the day.
The Pint girls do not have long to dwell on the tight loss, however, with a cut-throat semi-final clash against an in-form Waratah squad on the agenda this weekend.
In Premier Men’s action, Lancaster’s Nicholas Yarran was prolific for St Mary’s in its 15-point qualifying final loss to Waratah at TIO Stadium.
After getting off to a fast start, the home team looked poised for a trip to the second semi-final when it led by 15 points at the main change.
But a five-goal-to-one third term swung the momentum firmly in Waratah’s favour, as it took the lead and held on through a hard-fought final quarter to run away a 15-point winner.
St Mary’s now faces a win-or-go-home scenario as it welcomes Wanderers for the first semi-final on Saturday night.
Picola product Chris Baksh and his Nightcliff squad will be raring to go for their second semi-final clash with Waratah after a week off.
A side rich with Goulburn Valley flavour, Tongala’s Cam Ilett, recently signed Blues teammate Ryan Nyhuis and Mansfield talent Kyle Emery are expected to feature for the three-time reigning premiers.
Meanwhile in division one men’s action, Tatura’s Andrew Ciavarella and Numurkah’s Ben Smyth will line up for minor premier Pint in its second semi-final clash with Banks on Saturday night.