Reigning premier Nightcliff rebounds from Saints loss with big win over finals hopefuls Wanderers

NIGHTCLIFF has bounced back from last week’s loss to St Mary’s by brushing aside a disappointing Wanderers

Nightcliff’s Liam Holt-Fitz marks in front of Wanderers’ Dray Thompson in yesterday’s NTFL clash at TIO Stadium. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

NIGHTCLIFF bounced back from last week’s loss to St Mary’s by brushing aside a disappointing Wanderers at Marrara.

The Tigers found the centre of the road early in Road Safety Round before making their way to a 16.12 (108) to 5.5 (35) win.

Tigers boss Chris Baksh said the team aspect of the win was the big feature for him.

“We brought teammates into the game and stuck to our structures in what was a pleasing performance,’’ Baksh said.

Nightcliff won the battle of the defences in the first quarter to establish a 25-point lead at the first lemon break.

Three opportunist goals by the elusive Matt Bricknell and some good work by Shaun Wilson and first-gamer William Wheeler through the middle setting up the early lead.

Wanderers let themselves down in the last line of defence where Nightcliff’s bigger bodies and ability to find players in a better position had the Eagles backmen chasing shadows.

Up forward it was not a whole lot better, the normally reliable Brett Eddy missing a set shot from 15 metres after outmarking Tiger backman Nathan Brown.

There was more of the same in the second term, John Butcher’s strength in marking contests and when the ball hit the ground causing concern for the overworked Wanderers defenders.

New Tiger Wheeler was prominent with his use of the ball and Brad Arnold found the football more than once off the half back line.

Wanderers had their triers, Charlie Haley was busy through the middle and Beau O’Connell wasted no time getting involved in the game when he came on to the ground to replace the injured Thomas Motlop.

The game was only a minute old when Motlop limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury following a loose ball contest with Bricknell.

NIGHTCLIFF 6.2 11.5 14.7 16.12 (108)

WANDERERS 2.1 3.3 4.5 5.5 (35)

GOALS — Night: M Bricknell 4 L Sharp 4 J Butcher 3 L Holt-Fitz 2 S Wilson T Melville M McGregor. Wand: W Williams 2 D Thompson R Fejo D Weetra

BEST — Night: M Bricknell L Holt-Fitz W Wheeler J Butcher J Kickett. Wand: B McLean K Fejo J Erlandson C Haley B O’Connell.