Districts beat St Mary’s in a WPL finals preview while the Buffettes and Waratah secure vital wins

Reigning premier Southern Districts continue to surge while fellow top five sides Waratah, PINT and the Darwin Buffettes continue on their winning ways

Darwin Buffette Dominique Carbone runs away from two Magpie opponents in their WPL clash at TIO Stadium. Picture: Che Chorley

SOUTHERN Districts called on all of their inner strength to beat a strong St Mary’s challenge in their Women’s Premier League game at Fred’s Pass.

With both sides missing some big names, it was a three-goal to nil last half that made the difference on the scoreboard and lifted Districts to within a game of second-placed St Mary’s.

Bella Clarke was Districts’ best through the midfield where she made most of her possessions count, while Jess Brock was superb in the ruck all day.

Crocodile’s coach Tarmon Elliott later praised his hard working defence and his side’s ability to withstand Saints’ pressure for the 10-point win.

“I was pretty happy to get the win after last week’s disappointing draw (against Nightcliff),’’ he told the NT News.

The Darwin Buffettes stayed third after a last quarter goal surge saw them beat the Palmerston Magpies by 40 points.

Tania Dhu in the ruck was the Buffettes’ best player, giving her side first use of the ball at centre bounces and boundary throw-ins and playing a big role in the four-goal to nothing last quarter that won the game.

Waratah kicked seven goals to one in the championship third quarter to put Wanderers to the sword in their game at Gardens Oval.

Molly Cooper in the ruck and Isobel Rapson-Staropoli were standouts for the red and whites, who stay sixth, one game behind Nightcliff in the finals race.

PINT continued the heavy scoring against cellar dwellers Tracy Village by kicking 20 goals to nil in their game at the Village ground.

Amy Chittick booted seven goals and Reni Hicks five in the Queenants’ eight straight win to start the season.