Nightcliff beats the heat and a dogged Waratah to win their fifth game of the season

Nightcliff wins a typical Battle of the Beaches against traditional rivals Waratah

Waratah ruckman Zach Westerberg. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

NIGHTCLIFF emerged victors from the NTFL’s Battle of the Beaches against Waratah last night, but they were made to fight by their opponents.

The 11.9 (75) to 8.7 (55) win indicated the closeness of the match played in warm conditions at TIO Stadium.

Both sides battled the heat as much as their opponents where dropped marks and turnovers were common in a first half of football where only six goals were kicked.

But there were highlights. Diminutive Nightcliff small man Ryan Mu seemed to be everywhere in a roving commission that saw him cover more ground the early explorers and Waratah newcomer Rob Turnbull found plenty of the football early.

Mu told the Sunday Territorian his side had expected a four-quarter arm wrestle from their traditional rival.

“They came at us in every quarter but we did a good job sticking to what we know and it got us through in the end,’’ he said.

One factor that did stand out from both sides was their defensive pressure, particularly when their immediate opponents were within scoring range.

It was only when tired legs took over midway through the third term that goals were easier to come by.

Better movement by forwards like Jae McGrath, Graham Thomas and Will Collis created numerous chances despite several misses that could have closed the margin even further.

Nightcliff rested Cameron Ilett with the footballers curse known as general soreness, but that gave Tigers like Mack Rivett, Daniel Bowles and Nichols medallist Brodie Filo opportunities to put their hands up, which they did.

NIGHTCLIFF 3.4 4.6 7.7 11.9 (75)

WARATAH 1.1 2.2 5.5 8.7 (55)

GOALS — Nightcliff: K Emery 4 T Melville 3 H Drogemuller D Bowles M Rivett B Filo. Waratah: W Collis 2 J McGrath 2 R Turnbull A Kirby N Oakes T Graham.

BEST — Nightcliff: D Bowles M Rivett B Filo D Brew R Mu. Waratah: R Turnbull Z Westerberg J McGrath B Carroll N Stevens.