IT was a typical day at the office for some teams but a rude awakening for others as we finish Round 17. Palmerston got off to a flying start early against St Marys and the fly continued as the Magpies crushed the Saints by 81 points. Southern Districts was a different story as it fell to Pint with a poor display. The Tigers were the big surprise of the round as they outplayed the Eagles, while the Wanderers look like they cannot wait for the season to be over. The last game was another win for Waratah with the Razorbacks only managing one behind for the game.

PALMERSTON MAGPIES   4.3 I 8.7 I 11.11 I 14.17 (101)
ST MARYS   1.1 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 3.2  (20)

Goals:

Palmerston Magpies: F. Puruntatameri 4, S. Bush 3, W. Barlow 2, M. Brown 2, J. Stassi, J. Brock.
St Marys: J. Chisholm, S. Puruntatameri, S. Edwards.

Best:

Palmerston Magpies: M. Brown, B. Byers, J. Misob, T. May, F. Puruntatamer
St Marys: Not supplied 

After kicking four goals, and now sitting comfortably in fourth for goals in the competition, Freda Puruntatameri may be a contender for the rising star. Tabitha May is another who starred for the Pies this week, with her name seemingly appearing in the top six players for Palmerston on a regular basis. Unfortunately for St Marys, they got blown away early and couldn’t match the intensity of the Pies. Palmerston are likely to continue their streak against the Wanderers this week, while the Saints will face a huge challenge in Pint.   

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS  0.0 I 1.3 I 1.4 I 1.5 (11)
PINT  1.3 I 1.5 I 1.7 I 2.7 (19)

Goals:

Southern Districts: C. Deegan.
Pint: C. Morris, E. Greaves.

Best:

Southern Districts: Not supplied
Pint: Not supplied

Similarly to their Round 16 victory over the Darwin Buffettes, the Queen Ants simply outlasted the Crocs in a game of missed scoring opportunities and strong defensive efforts. With Pint unable to capitalise in front of goal it looked like the Crocs could get a sniff in the final term, but when Pint needed a hero Casey Morris kicked the sealer to win the game. It should be noted that Crocs stars, Tahlia Holtze and Tayla Thorn were absent after their dominant display against St Marys. Perhaps resting two of their best players was not the best idea, but with only one round left and a very high percentage, the Southern Districts might be playing the long game.

WANDERERS  0.0 I 0.0 I 0.0 I 0.0 (0)
NIGHTCLIFF  4.3 I 7.6 I 11.10 I 14.13 (97)

Goals:

Wanderers: Not supplied
Nightcliff: S. Miskin-Ripia 5, E. Wolsey 3, J. Blecher 2, K. Simmons, J. Pocock, J. Puautjimi, J. Hill

Best:

Wanderers: Not supplied
Nightcliff: S. Miskin-Ripia, J. Blecher, K. Simmons, E. Wolsey

Last Sunday a light shined down on Tigerland as Jaylene Hill celebrated her 100th game. Emma-Lou Wolsey chucked on her kicking boots for three majors but was succeeded by Shantel Miskin-Ripia who managed to kick a bag of five. Nightcliff’s victory means they may escape the bottom of the ladder on percentage, but will need to give the Crocs a run for their money to do so.

WARATAH  3.2 I 4.10 I 4.14 I 8.16 (64)
TRACY VILLAGE 0.0 I 0.0 I 0.1 I 0.1  (1)

Goals:

Waratah: T. O”Hehir 2, A. Chittick 2, L. O”Shea 2, K. Piscioneri, S. Puruntatameri.
Tracy Village: Nil.

Best:

Waratah: A. Stanley, M. Cooper, A. Chittick, R. Pryer, P. Cox
Tracy Village: A. Lidbetter, B. McDougall, A. Breen, K. Brown, Z. Clarke, I. Hoadley

Waratah dominated once again in Round 17, proving their continued dominance in the competition while injuries again was to be a major source of hardship for the Razorbacks. Ashley Stanley was a jet in the midfield, looking like she has taken her game to a new level. Warriors forwards, Amy Chittick and Lauren O’Shea kicked four goals between them, while Rebecca Pryer played well off the halfback flank. The Grand Final replay will commence this week when Waratah faces off against a depleted Darwin Buffettes side. Waratah will try to make one last statement before the finals begin.