Southern Districts move to second on the ladder after beating an unlucky Darwin by three points

THE Southern Districts-Darwin Buffaloes rivalry grew another leg last night when Districts snatched a three-point win

Josiah Farrer was a general through the middle for Southern Districts in their narrow three-point win over the Darwin Buffaloes. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE Southern Districts-Darwin Buffaloes rivalry grew another leg last night when Districts snatched a three-point win at TIO Stadium.

The Crocodiles’ 10.6 (66) to 9.9 (63) win gave them a temporary hold on second spot on the league ladder, depending on how St Mary’s perform against Wanderers today.

Districts kicked three of the first four goals of the match and looked on track for a third straight win with Josiah Farrell finding plenty of the ball.

But the last 10 minutes of the first quarter belonged to the players in light blue jumpers. Four goals from the top shelf, including Jarrod Stokes’ opportunist snap, long goals from Chris Williams and Daniel Stafford and an over the shoulder goal by Joe Anderson.

Hard running and quick hands was the formula the Buffaloes used to their advantage, a tactic that worked in well with TIO Stadium’s wide open spaces.

Districts regained their poise in the second term, a Will Farrer goal the only major score in the quarter as both defences tightened up on their opponents.

There were few highlights in the third term until Stafford left it late with a glorious goal from the boundary line.

Jammed up against the fence in front of the Wanderers clubhouse, the South Alice Springs big man calmly sized up the 50 metre task in front of him before kicking the yellow sherrin over the goal umpire’s head.

That goal grabbed the lead back for the Buffaloes after the three quarter time siren.

But Districts’ experience got them home in a frantic last quarter, Will Farrer’s third goal after a clever handball over his head by Michael Barlow putting them in front.

STHN DISTRICTS 4.0 5.3 7.4 10.6 (66)

BUFFALOES 5.3 5.5 7.7 9.9 (63)

GOALS — Districts: W Farrer 3 D McLachlan 2 B Schwarze 2 J Farrer S Barnett J Clarke. Buffaloes: D Stafford 2 J Stokes T Eldridge M Quinn P Boles J Anderson A Stokes C Williams.

BEST — Districts: D Williams J Farrer M Bowden K Dingo T Holman. Buffaloes: D Stafford B Stokes M Quinn D Shillabeer A Stokes.