Controversy and class underlines a big St Mary’s comeback over the gutsy Darwin Buffaloes

ST MARY’S had to call on all of their experience and a slice of luck to beat the Darwin Buffaloes by 14 points at TIO Stadium

Buffalo Nyaburu Kelly and Saint Henry Labadista contest a loose ball. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

ST MARY’S had to call on all of their experience and a slice of luck to beat the Darwin Buffaloes by 14 points at TIO Stadium yesterday.

A controversial third quarter goal when the ball appeared to hit Buffalo defender Cameron Stokes’ right boot on its journey had fans of the double blue jumpers screaming in disgust.

That goal and a series of holding the ball and holding the man decisions that went against them also infuriated the players and their fans.

St Mary’s came back from a four-goal deficit at quarter-time to win their eighth match from 11 starts and putting a hold on second position.

Saints ruckman Ryan Smith said his side had got the job done despite another slow start.

“The word at quarter time was don’t overdo it, play your roles and remember what you’re playing for after we finished bottom last season,’’ Smith said.

“We don’t want to be embarrassed again and now we’re sitting second, so we’re on the right track.’’

Playing coach Matt Campbell and big spearhead Daniel Stafford featured in the Buffaloes’ flying start, Campbell’s ability to get goal side got him the first two goals of the match before Stafford’s big frame secured two marks and goals.

St Mary’s had plenty of goalscoring opportunities themselves but had to wait until the third minute of the second quarter for their first goal, a strong mark and goal to Leroy Larson.

Larson booted three goals in the second term to get his side back into the game, Tom Davies restricting the influence of Stafford and Joseph Salmon’s work through the middle other factors in a four-goal to two quarter.

A controversial goal umpiring decision highlighted the third term, Baxter Slater’s shot from 45 metres appearing to contact Cameron Stokes’ foot before going through.

But the goal was given, bringing Saints to within a goal and continuing their momentum at a crucial part of the game.

The scores were level at the last change after a late Adam Parry goal for St Mary’s, meaning they had kicked six of the last eight goals since quarter time.

It was the Jack Geary show in the last term when St Mary’s booted 2.5 to three points.

A Jarrod Stokes shot from 30 metres that hit the post snuffed out any chance of a late Buffaloes comeback.

ST MARY’S 0.4 4.4 6.6 8.11 (59)

BUFFALOES 4.1 6.3 6.6 6.9 (45)

GOALS — StM: L Larson 3 J Waite B Slater A Parry R Jordon J Calder. Buffs: D Stafford 3 M Campbell 2 S AhMat.

BEST — StM: R Smith T Davies S Edwards J Salmon J Geary. Buffs: T Eldridge R Pendlebury C Stokes N Kelly S Lange.