A Jarrod Stokes special overcomes a long injury list in the Buffaloes’ five-goal win over Wanderers

THE Darwin Buffaloes moved into open space in the NTFL top four with a 32-point win over a brave Wanderers at TIO Stadium

Jarrod Stokes in typical pose as he bursts away from the pack. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

THE Darwin Buffaloes moved into open space in the NTFL top four with a 32-point win over a brave Wanderers at TIO Stadium last night.

The Buffaloes played the last half with 18 fit men, still gave their skipper Jarrod Stokes the ideal 150-game present with their 14.11 (95) to 9.9 (63) win.

In a game where leg speed was a necessary component, Wanderers got the first goal on the board through Warwick Williams in an early indication they had come to play.

But two goals to Buffalo Ishmael Palmer and another one from the clever Chris Williams gave the double blue jumpers the edge at the first break.

The Buffalo casualty list grew in the second quarter as their lead increased.

Dangerous spearhead Daniel Stafford strained a hamstring and took no further part in the match and Nyaburu Kelly and Kevin Maroney made their way to the bench with what looked like leg injuries.

Kayle Kossack, the Eastside premiership player, was conveyed to hospital to have treatment after copping a knock to the mouth .... and then there were 18 fit players.

But they still booted four goals to the Eagles’ three to take an 18-point lead into the main break.

That lead was reduced to a goal when Thomas Motlop kicked the first goal of the third term and the Eagles looked like they were coming.

But the Buffaloes’ three-pronged forward line, even without the wounded Stafford, responded by kicking five of the next seven goals to take a 27-point lead into the last term.

Wanderers lost key defender Mitchell Taylor late in the third quarter when he had the wind taken out of him after crashing heavily.

But Kade Stevens’ goal from a free when Josh Saveka was judged to be holding him brought a smile to the coaches box and reduced the lead to 23 points.

Milestone man Jarrod Stokes sealed the win when he ran into an open goal.

BUFFALOES 3.1 7.4 12.4 14.11 (95)

WANDERERS 1.2 4.4 7.7 9.9 (63)

GOALS — Buffs: I Palmer 4 B Hogan 4 D Shillabeer 3 J Stokes C Williams M Quinn. Wand: T Motlop 2 W Williams 2 D Braun B O’Connor K Stevens S Motlop L Dyer.

BEST — Buffs: J Stokes J Clarke T Eldridge B Hogan M Quinn. Wand: M Taylor B O’Connell D Thompson E Colley.