Tiwi Bombers put off-field dramas behind them by beating top three rivals Southern Districts

THE Tiwi Bombers produced the ideal farewell present for long-time mentor Brenton Toy when they crushed a disappointing Southern Districts by 46 points in their Round 14 clash

Nathan Djerrkura was in sparkling form in the Tiwi Bombers’ big win over Southern Districts. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE Tiwi Bombers produced the ideal farewell present for long-time mentor Brenton Toy when they crushed a disappointing Southern Districts by 46 points in their Round 14 clash at Fred’s Pass.

The Tiwis showed a liking for the wide open spaces of Norbuilt Oval by booting 15 goals to three after a sloppy first half to record their fifth straight win.

The 17.12 (114) to 9.14 (68) win also tightened the Bombers’ hold on third position and the coveted double chance at finals time.

Midfielder Ashton Hams, young gun Matthew Kantilla and classy utility Nathan Djerrkura created the explosives the Bombers dropped on the Crocodiles.

“Having those senior players out gave others an opportunity and they made it count in a pretty tough game of footy,’’ Hams said after the finals siren.

“We’ve got four more tough ones to get over (Buffaloes, Nightcliff, St Mary’s and Wanderers) and don’t want to drop any of them, so this is a good start.’’

Hams said assistant coach Brenton Toy’s exit after a long involvement in coaching and mentoring the Tiwi players was another reason the players wanted to do well.

“One of our favourite sons stepping aside was something else we had to get us up, we wanted to win for him because he has done so much for the footy club.’’

The Bombers looked like they were running out of fuel late in the second quarter when Districts kicked late goals through Josh Innes and Davin Hall to take a five-point lead into the main break.

But some stern words from joint coaches Shane Tipuamantimirri and Jamie Scrymgour and a return to their running ways produced a six-goal to one third term that broke the game open.

Djerrkura and Hams jumped into the pilot and co-pilot seats in the last quarter to produce another six-goal quarter and a nine-goal win not a lot of people saw coming.

Southern Districts coach Shannon Rusca said player availability had become a serious problem, with up to 17 listed players on the sidelines yesterday.

TIWI BOMBERS 3.4 5.7 11.9 17.12 (114)

S’DISTRICTS 2.3 6.6 7.10 9.14 (68)

GOALS — Tiwis: A Wonaeamirri 3 R Tungatalum 2 J Best 2 A Hams 2 D Kruse 2 M Kantilla 2 S Munkara P Heenan N Djerrkura C Abala. Dist: W Farrer 2 D Barry 2 B Rusca J Farrer K Dingo J Innes D Hall.

BEST —Tiwis: A Ham N Djerrkura M Kantilla A Darcy J Monigatti. Dist: D McLachlan B Rusca C McAdam J Farrer.