Southern Districts within one win of a third successive grand final after beating the Tiwi Bombers

SOUTHERN Districts continued their winning ways and remain in contention for an NTFL grand final berth after a 16.15 (111) to 11.5 (71) minor semi-final victory over the Tiwi Bombers

Ed Barlow was in goalkicking form for Southern Districts in their big first semi-final win over the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

SOUTHERN Districts continued their winning ways and remain in contention for an NTFL grand final berth after a 16.15 (111) to 11.5 (71) minor semi-final victory over the Tiwi Bombers at Marrara last night.

An Ed Barlow goal for Districts after 40 seconds of play set the scene for a top-shelf opening term by the Crocs.

A Chris Jones goal and another from Ashton Hams snapped the Bombers awake but Barlow, Will Farrer and Jaeden Watts put the tri-colours ahead at the first break.

The Bombers opened the second in an extravagant manner but it took five minutes until they reaped any reward which came from Austin Wonaeamirri.

The attacking style from the islanders continued but they were wasteful up forward, and against the run of play, Districts goaled through Garlett and Barlow who backed up soon after to notch his fourth inside the first half.

A clever mark and goal to Bomber forward Wonaeamirri opened the third term.

Harley Puruntatameri, who had been well held by Charlie McAdam, got the next and the Tiwis were full of run and confidence.

But Crocs skipper Farrer stopped the rot with a courageous mark and goal.

Some casual Districts defence let Bomber Kurt Dunn in for the opening final-quarter goal, however, majors five and six for Barlow gave the Crocs some breathing space and a preliminary final berth.

Districts defender McAdam is enjoying his new-found defensive role and said it did not matter who won the major semi-final between Nightclif and St Mary’s last night.

“The last five games we’ve played have given us a good insight into the best team and the results have shown that and we are pretty much injury free,” McAdam said.

“To win the premiership we’ve got to beat both Saints and Nightcliff so whoever wins doesn’t matter.

“I’m probably a bit slow to chase the young boys on the wing now but it’s enjoyable playing in defence and we are gelling as a unit.”