Collinson injury fails to stop the Darwin Buffettes’ unbeaten start to the Women’s PL season

THE Darwin Buffettes overcame a season-ending ankle injury to Emma Collinson and a determined St Mary’s to win their sixth consecutive Women’s Premier League game

Palmerston’s Khani White brings down Districts’ Tessa Wilson in their Round 6 WPL clash at Fred’s Pass. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

THE Darwin Buffettes overcame a season-ending ankle injury to Emma Collinson and a determined St Mary’s to win their sixth consecutive Women’s Premier League game.

The Buffettes lost Collinson to a severely dislocated ankle in the first half when the scores were tied at the main break.

But superb second halves by young gun Angie Goninon through the midfield with some heavy bodywork, Jemma Lacono across half back with her rebounding style of play and captain Kylie Duggan in the centre, turned the game the Double Blues’ way.

Coach Chris Atkinson was full of praise post match for his under siege team.

“I was super proud of the players’ efforts after we lost Emma to an ankle dislocation,’’ Atkinson said.

“We were exceptional with our hardness at the ball and ability to get the ball down the ground and into scoring opportunities.’’

Waratah joined the Buffettes on six straight wins with a 162-point annihilation of first year WPL side the Big River Hawks at Gardens Oval.

Lisa Roberts (seven) and Madison Yarran (six) booted 13 goals between them as the reigning premiers did what they liked against the league rookies.

Nightcliff beat Tracy Village by 22 points at their home ground to keep hopes of a first finals series alive and PINT had too many winners for Wanderers in their match at TIO Stadium.

The Queenants had 16 shots at goal to the Eagles’ eight in their crucial 7.9 (51) TO 2.6 (18) win that lifted them to fourth spot.

And a five-goal to nil first half ensured Southern Districts returned to the winning list in yesterday’s match against Palmerston at Norbuilt Oval.

Matter Breed, Megan Crauford and Maria Moussa led the way for the Crocodiles’ 7.8 (50) to 2.5 (17) win after two losses due to team sheet errors.