Tiwi Bombers within range of a top three spot after they were made to work by Palmerston

THE Tiwi Bombers moved in finals mode last night with a hard running 61-point win over a gutsy Palmerston at Marrara

Harley Puruntatameri’s three goals and long runs made him a standout player for the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Glenn Campbell

THE Tiwi Bombers moved in finals mode last night with a hard running 61-point win over a gutsy Palmerston at Marrara.

The Bombers’ 16.17 (113) to 7.10 (52) win might look comfortable on the scoreboard on a night when the Tiwis won every quarter.

But they had to earn every mark, kick and handball against a Magpie side desperate to earn some respect in a season where 12 straight losses has been a disappointing return.

Palmerston, back in its traditional black and white stripes, was not intimidated by a powerful Tiwi line-up in the first term.

Goals by Keidan Holt-Tubbs and Ryan Warfe when he got his boot to the ball on the goal line, left them trailing by only eight points behind at the first change.

Former AFL Demon Aaron Davey in a defensive role across half back and Jack Berry in the ruck were prominent for the Magpies.

But the run and carry of the Tiwis was always going to be a problem for the hard working Magpie defence and midfield.

Bombers with plenty of fuel in their tank like Harley Puruntatameri, Dion Munkara and Alastair Darcy began to stretch their legs after the first quarter.

A six-goal to two second term, when six different players registered majors in an example of how the Tiwis like to share the ball, shot the Bombers to a 34-point lead at the main break.

But the winless Magpies refused to concede, booting 1.4 to 1.1 in a tight third quarter where players from both sides found it difficult to find space against tight checking opponents.

Clifford Timms was an influential player all night for Palmerston with his attack on the football and long kicking, while Leigh Williams’ bigger body was a plus up forward.

TIWI BOMBERS 3.3 9.7 10.8 16.16 (112)

PALMERSTON 2.1 4.3 5.7 7.10 (52)

GOALS — Tiwi: H Puruntatameri 3 A Wonaeamirri 2 R Tungatalum 2 D Munkara 2 C Abala 2 A Tipungwuti S Munkara P Heenan A Darcy N Riddle. Palm: R Warfe K Holt-Tubbs L Williams K Emery L Roberts C Hutcheson C Timms.

BEST — Tiwi: H Puruntatameri A Hams J Puruntatameri A Darcy J Monigatti. Palm: C Timms L Williams Aaron Davey J Berry J Rhodes.