St Mary’s begin the long haul back from wooden spooners to finalists with win over Palmerston

A WASTEFUL St Mary’s overcame a valiant Palmerston at Marrara in the final game of NTFL Round 1

Anthony Vallejo enjoyed a first-up win as St Mary's coach after their Round 1 win over Palmerston. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

A WASTEFUL St Mary’s overcame a valiant Palmerston at Marrara in the final game of NTFL Round 1.

The Green Machine triumphed by 36 points, booting 10.15 (75) to 5.9 (39).

The game started in a frenzy with both teams keen to assert their ascendancy; however, a goal from towering Saints forward, Dylan Johnstone, was the only major reward in a seesawing opening stanza.

All eyes were on Palmerston’s Davey debutants - twins Jayden and Alwyn Jr.

Both appeared unnerved by their presence at the highest level in the NTFL, and each had a telling possession in the first term.

Saints wasted countless opportunities in the second term, and against the tide Magpie forward

Nigel Lockyer took a strong mark and kicked truly, to open the Palmerston goalscoring for the game.

Lockyer struck twice more in the term to give the Magpies the lead at the long break.

A pack mark and goal by the experienced Raphael Clarke put the Greens back in front early in the third term, and when Johnstone repeated the dose a little later, they had some breathing space.

Goals to James Quinn and Braxton Ah Mat further enhanced their lead.

Saints outscored Palmerston in the final term to run out comfortable winners, a feature that

pleased debutant coach Anthony Vallejo.

“It was a tough game with plenty of skill errors but that was always going to be the case in our first game of the year,” he said.

“We finished off strongly, although I can see a lot of the boys coming off with cramp.

“But 10.15 wasn’t too flash. If we had kicked straighter it would have been a bit more relaxing.

“But I’m happy with the win especially from where we finished last year. We can and must improve on (yesterday).

“There will be a few more ‘ins’ over the next few weeks which hopefully will improve us.”

ST MARY’S 1.4 2.8 6.12 10.15 75

PALMERSTON 0.3 3.4 3.7 5.9 (39)

GOALS — St Marys: D Johnstone 2, R Clarke 2, R Smith, J Quinn, B Ah Mat, J Cheek, J Cooper, S Rioli. Palmerston: N Lockyer 3, A Davey (Jr), M Marshall.

BEST — St Mary’s: N Paredes, T Davies, J Geary, R Smith, J Long. Palmerston: A Davey (Sr), M Dennis, N Deans, N Lockyer, M McMasters.