Redtails in high-scoring thriller

Tiwi Bombers defeated Central Australia by nine points in a high-scoring thriller at TIO Stadium on Saturday in what was arguably the game of the season to date, scoring 22.11 (143) to 20.14 (134).
 
The first quarter was played at a frenetic pace with both sides’ attacking flair on display. The Redtails drew first blood after a brilliant dribbling goal from the boundary by Lindsay Turner.
 
The Bombers hit back after the returning Gerrard Cunningham evaded his opponent to kick truly. At quarter time only a solitary point separated either side.
 
The Bombers started the second quarter like a house on fire and broke away from the Central Australia side.
 
Liam Jurrah was looming ominous up forward and kicked three goals within the first eight minutes of the quarter. A few experienced heads in the Central Australia team settled the side and managed to regain the lead before half time.
 
The third quarter was a shoot-out with the Bombers simply having more skill and pace than its opponents. The Tiwi side kicked 10 goals for the term and took a handy lead into the three quarter time break.
 
Just when it looked like the Bombers would run away with an easy victory, the Redtails hit back.
 
Early goals in the final term brought Central Australia to within only a couple of points and it was any side’s game for the taking. Some missed opportunities from big man Daniel Stafford midway through the last term would prove costly for his side that ultimately fell nine points short.
 
It was a game of momentum and the side that took the most of its opportunities was always going to walk away with the four premiership points. Both teams were given the freedom to run and carry with defense obviously not a high priority in the match.
 
The Warlpiri Wizard Liam Jurrah showed why he is one of the most damaging players outside of the AFL with a bag of six goals, with the majority coming from shots outside the 50-metre arc.
 
Dion Munkara gathered plenty of the football and was generally damaging with his ball use by foot.
 
Gibson Turner was phenomenal for Central Australia and kicked three goals playing across half forward.
 
In an interesting twist, Turner could be playing for the Bombers in only a matter of weeks with the Centralian livewire linked to the club.
 
Tiwi Bombers – 4.2, 9.3, 19.9, 22.11 (143)
Central Australia – 4.3, 10.8, 15.10, 20.14 (134)
 
Goals:
Tiwi – Jurrah 6, Kantilla 5, Tungatalum 3, Cunningham 2, Munkara 2, J Tipuamantamirri, Parmbuk, K Puruntatameri, Kelantumama,
CA – M Campbell 3, G Turner 3, L Turner 3, Kunoth 2, Stafford 2, Briscoe, James, Ankers, Gorey, Mutch, Prior, B Turner
 
Best:
Tiwi – Munkara, Jurrah, Tungatalum, Darcy, Kantilla
CA – G Turner, M Campbell, L Turner, A Ankers