Adam Sambono the goalkicking hero in the Darwin Buffaloes’ big win over the Tiwi Bombers

ADAM Sambono’s 12-goal haul signalled a Buffalo stampede in their opening round game against the Tiwi Bombers

Adam Sambono kicked off the 2019-20 NTFL season with a bang when he booted 12 goals in the Darwin Buffaloes’ big win over the Tiwi Bombers.

ADAM Sambono’s 12-goal haul led a Buffalo stampede at TIO Stadium yesterday.

Sambono’s goalkicking and superb four quarter performances from Chris Williams and Joe Anderson overwhelmed last season’s preliminary finalists Tiwi Bombers.

The 24.13 (157) to 6.8 (44) win shot the Buffaloes to the top of the ladder after Round 1 with a predominantly local side.

The Buffaloes got more good news when returning midfielder Tim Eldridge played all four quarters after a serious back injury ruined his 2018 season.

“Everything feels really good and the win just added to it,’’ Eldridge said. “I copped a couple of knocks in the region and the back stood up to it.

“It was a great win for the club, our young blokes Isaac Seden-Kurnoth and Tom Swan were very good and Adam was terrific up forward where his goal sense reminded me of Willie Rioli when he was at St Mary’s and the Tiwis.’’

The Tiwis had the better of the first quarter, even if it only went for the minimum 20 minutes following a mix up in the timekeeper’s box.

A trademark Sambono snap from a series of run and carries from teammates further up the ground produced the first goal of the game and the season.

The big marking left-footer displayed his full bag of tricks on a day when the delivery from further up the ground was first class.

Sambono booted two goals in the first term and five in the second and third to finish with a dozen goals, the best return from an NTFL forward since Trent Melville booted 10 for Nightcliff against the Tiwis last season.

But the Bombers kicked three of last four goals in the quarter, debutant Cade Abala booting their first and giant ruckman Liam Wale-Buxton following up soon after.

Wale-Buxton’s work with Nathan Djerrkura at centre bounces was working a treat until Djerrkura suffered a hand injury that saw him off the ground for long periods.

The game turned into the double blue show after quarter time. The Buffaloes’ tackling and clean use of the football when in possession overwhelming their opponents.

BUFFALOES 2.2 11.5 19.7 24.13 (157)

TIWI BOMBERS 3.3 3.3 4.7 6.8 (44)

GOALS — Buffaloes: A Sambono 12 B Culhane 3 C Williams 3 T Eldridge J Stokes D Miles John Anderson Joe Anderson J Clarke. Tiwis: P Heenan 2 C Abala L Wale-Buxton M Kantilla A Wonaeamirri.

BEST — Buffaloes: A Sambono Joe Anderson P Boles C Williams J Clarke. Tiwis: L Wale-Buxton D Kruse P Heenan N Djerrkura.