Waratah gets its mojo back with a 15-goal win over an undermanned Palmerston outfit

WARATAH got its NTFL season back on track by disposing of a brave but undermanned Palmerston at Marrara

Abe Ankers was at his high possession best in last night’s 89-point win over Palmerston at Marrara. Picture: AFLNT MEDIA

WARATAH got its NTFL season back on track by disposing of a brave but undermanned Palmerston at Marrara last night.

It was Tahs’ second win in succession after a 0-5 start, but it was normal service again last night for last season’s semi finalists.

Alice Springs midfielder Abe Ankers dominated with 32 possessions and Tiwi speedster Kim Kantilla kicked six goals in their 17.10 (112) to 3.5 (23) win.

Tahs took control of a scrappy first quarter when Abe Ankers booted two goals from set shots to set up a 20-point lead at the first change.

The pace and anticipation of Kim Kantilla was another feature in the opening game of Indigenous Round as the red and white jumpers controlled proceedings, holding the Magpies scoreless in first term.

Kantilla’s goal sense and ability to run into space had the Magpie backmen in disarray, resulting in a six-goal haul that kept the scoreboard ticking over for Tahs.

Midfielder Abe Ankers did his Nichols Medal chances a big favour with a 27-possession game, a performance that included three goals and several assists.

Ankers brought his own football to the ground and did what he liked for most of the match as the Magpie players stayed well clear of him.

There were other highlights, Sam Godden’s set shot and resultant goal jammed up against the light tower near the St Mary’s clubrooms was from the top shelf.

The Magpies did not have a lot to smile about last night, but they would have been pleased with first gamer Jack Brauman’s performance and lion-hearted ruckman Jack Berry, who continues to make his presence felt at centre bounces and boundary throw ins.

WARATAH 3.2 8.4 13.7 17.10 (112)

PALMERSTON 0.0 0.2 1.5 3.5 (23)

GOALS — Waratah: K Kantilla 6 A Ankers 3 S Godden 2 T Schmidt 2 J Schaeper H Kerinaiua M Blake T Mosquito. Palmerston: B Church R Marika M Smiler.

BEST — Waratah: A Ankers T Mosquito K Kantilla J Schaeper M Blake. Palmerston: J Brauman J Berry R Dhamarrandji B Church C Timms M Smiler.