Back-to-back Premier League flags a reality for Nightcliff after a come-from-behind win over the Tiwis

NIGHTCLIFF’S bid for back-to-back Premier League flags got a big boost yesterday when it beat a feisty Tiwi Bombers side

Cameron Ilett (centre) celebrates a goal with teammates Brodie Filo, left and Michael Hagan. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NIGHTCLIFF’S bid for back-to-back Premier League flags got a big boost yesterday when it beat a feisty Tiwi Bombers side by six points in their Round 9 clash at PSC BM Oval.

The Tigers trailed by as much as 20 points midway through the third quarter before clawing their way back into a contest that had a finals like atmosphere about it.

Star utility Cameron Ilett and reliable defenders Kaine Riley and Nathan Brown were keys in the revival that secured an 11.12 (78) to 11.6 (72) win.

A relieved Ilett said the pacy Tiwis had made them earn the win with their foot speed and bigger bodies in the clinches.

“The word among the group at half time was composure and when we had the footy, controlling it and not playing into their hands,’’ he added.

“We started doing that a lot better in the third quarter and structurally we were better around the ball and out workrate lifted to the point where we were able to win the game.’’

Ilett said beating a free wheeling Tiwi side when not at 100 per cent efficiency was character building with the season nearing the halfway point.

The Bombers controlled the game in the second quarter through taking the short route to goal, Alister Darcy finding himself unmarked on two occasions from which he kicked goals.

Jason Puruntatameri in defence was his usual confident self, backing himself with several runs at the ball and disposals to teammates further up the ground.

Jeffrey Simon’s tagging role on the dangerous Brodie Filo worked a treat and Charlie Molyneux around the ground got plenty of the football.

The Bombers brains trust will be wondering how they lost a game that seemed to be in their keeping for long periods, testimony to Nightliff’s will to win and belief in each other.

NIGHTCLIFF 2.5 3.8 8.10 11.12 (78)

TIWI BOMBERS 2.0 7.2 9.4 11.6 (72)

GOALS — Nightcliff: M Hagan 3 T Melville 2 C Ilett 2 L Masters K Winter-Irving D Bowles L Holt-Fitz. Tiwis: A Darcy 3 H Puruntatameri 2 A Wonaeamirri 2 A Tipungwuti 2 D Munkara C Molyneux.

BEST — Nightcliff: L Masters C Ilett K Riley N Brown T Melville. Tiwis: J Puruntatameri C Molyneux J Simon A Tipungwuti H Puruntatameri.