History on the Islands
THE Tiwi Bombers welcomed NTFL football to the Islands with a 91-point warning shot.
The Bombers marked another Tiwi football first with victory, racing away easy 24.21 (165) to 10.14 (74) winners against Darwin at Tiwi Oval, Nguiu, yesterday.
Highlights from the NTFL 2008-09 season
Victory also brought with it the club's first piece of silverware, the Bill Dempsey-David Kantilla Cup.
In true Bombers fashion, the occasion was marked by a hail of goals, giving the 1000-strong crowd plenty to celebrate.
Bombers captain Simon Munkara stayed true to his promise, leading the side to a win fit for the ages. But even he admits the pressure of the occasion took some getting used to.
I know I got up in the morning nervous about the game," he said.
Sitting in the dressing rooms before the game we knew history was calling us."
Fittingly it was 20-year-old goalkicking utility Roy Kantilla - the great nephew of Tiwi legend David Kantilla - who kicked the first NTFL goal on the Islands.
"That is a story Roy can grow old and tell his children and grand children about, that he was the first to kick an NTFL goal on the Tiwi Islands," Munkara said.
But the stage was set for another Tiwi star in the making, Samson Mungatopi to shine.
The 18-year-old livewire helped transform a drab Bombers side, beaten by a record 131-points by Waratahs in the last round, back into its notoriously buoyant self.
His run out of midfield, brilliant link play with five-goal hero Gerrard Cunningham, Kevin Tandagoc, Graham Puruntatameri and Allan Kerinaiua was clinically effective and destructive.
The Bombers quickly turned their home into an impenetrable fortress with Angelo Orsto in an uncompromising mood alongside Edward Darcy and versatile Brad Palipuaminni.
Darwin's Dustin Pickett was recognised for his efforts under persistent fire, taking out the inaugural Eddie Clarke medal as Buffaloes' best afield.
In support Louka Constantine and Liam Philpott worked tirelessly while Richard Russell and Peter Stokes mounted a hearty second half assault on the Bombers defence.
Last Modified on 26/03/2009 12:39
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