Darwin Buffaloes play helter skelter football to snap a three-match losing streak

THE Darwin Buffaloes snapped a three-game losing streak when they outlasted Wanderers in last night’s NTFL match

Darwin Buffalo Darren Shillabeer booted five goals in his side’s big win over Wanderers. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE Darwin Buffaloes snapped a three-game losing streak when they outlasted Wanderers in last night’s NTFL match at TIO Stadium.

The Buffaloes had to work for the win, Wanderers closing to within four points in a frantic last quarter before the double blues kicked the last three goals of the game.

The helter-skelter tradition of Buffalo-Wanderers matches continued in the first half, with first one side then the other controlling the match.

The up tempo style of play always suits the hustle and bustle of the Buffaloes and so it proved in the early exchanges when they kept an enthusiastic Wanderers at arms reach.

The big bodies of Daniel Stafford and Darren Shillabeer in front of goals, Tim Eldridge’s hard running from half back and the experience of playing coach Matt Campbell were stumbling blocks for the Eagles.

Stafford continued his strong work in the forward half, booting three goals and maintaining a physical presence the lighter Wanderers backline found hard to counter.

The Centralian told the Sunday Territorian post match his side’s ability to convert their opportunities in front of goal had got them over the line.

“We’ve tried to get a win for the last three weeks and didn’t get there despite playing some good footy, but tonight we finished off our good work,’’ he said.

“Like the rest of the team I think I’m getting better every week, fitness is a big factor in that.’’

Wanderers lost no friends with the loss, Joel Jeffrey and Liam Jurrah booting 10 goals between them to establish a partnership that should get the blue and gold jumpers into this season’s finals.

Beau O’Connell’s ability to find the football and do something with it was a feature of his game and Marlon Motlop’s second half performance was all class.

BUFFALOES 3.2 5.7 10.9 15.12 (102)

WANDERERS 2.2 4.5 6.8 11.11 (77)

GOALS — Buffs: D Shillabeer 6 D Stafford 3 M Campbell 2 B Culhane J Stokes P Boles C Williams B Foster. Wand: J Jeffrey 5 L Jurrah 4 K Fejo M Motlop.

BEST — Buffs: D Stafford T Eldridge D Shillabeer M Campbell K Maroney. Wand: J Jeffrey B O’Connell M Motlop B McLean C Haley.