Wowee says BT! In an epic contest that will go down in 'Geti history, the Buffaloes have staged an almighty comeback to finish over the top of the visiting Barracudas and run out 9 point winners. Despite no less than 7 of the Groote Eylandt players managing to top the ton, led magnificently by Bontempelli (140) and Tom Nicholls (119) who brought down the hot Tom Hickey (97) in the Giant Tap, it was ultimately Serengeti's depth that earnt them the W. After often struggling to find enough bodies to even fill the field down in The Crater, it was a pleasing sight for home fans to see such a solid team performance. Captain Dangerfield (135) again showed his young teammates the way but it was young forward star Zac Merrett (129) who stole the show with an almighty showing late in the game to drag his side over the line. Even though these were the only 2 players to reach triple figures for the mighty Buffaloes, 6 others topped 90 and only 2 were below 69 opposed to 5 who dropped below that mark for the Barracudas. Perhaps the most disappointing performance of those came from ex-Buffalo Cam Guthrie (50) with questions sure to be asked about his failure in such a conspicuous contest. That makes it 4 wins in their past 5 for the Buffaloes and they'll look to continue that form when the visit Cow Bay next week, while Groote will look to get their campaign for a top 4 spot back on track as they host Eden. BAFFU Votes 3 Marcus Bontempelli 140 GEB 2 Patrick Dangerfield 135 SB 1 Zac Merrett 129 SB
I'd forgotten over the bye rounds that I'd actually won a couple! Had to take the chance to note a streak like that, it's been a while since we had much to celebrate for the ORFFU out in the Serengeti!
Christmas Island Smugglers 1,266 def Hughenden Prairie Dogs 1,070 In a must win game for both teams to keep in touch with the 8 saw the Smugglers overrun a lack lustre Prairie Dogs. Home after the bye rounds and a player re-structure a lot was expected from the Prairie Dogs but even with the home ground advantage, and a cheering crowd they were outplayed by the Smugglers from the start. Losing Rischitelli to an ACL in the opening minutes of the game seemed to inspire the visitors with Jesse White (113), LeCras (106), Hurn (119), Harbrow (109) all playing above their averages to ensure a victory for the Smugglers. Kieran Jack (123) was an outstanding performer in his 200th game but too many of his team mates seemed distracted by his girlfriend to provide a similar contribution. Mills (102) and Yeo (102) tried hard to lift the team but in the end it was an insipid performance by the Dogs and an inspired performance by the Smugglers. Hughenden’s season is over whereas the Smugglers keep their slender chance of playing finals football alive. BAFFU Awards 3 Kieran Jack (123) 2 Shannon Hurn (119) 1 Jesse White (113)
Round 13 Korumburra Blowflys 1216 defeated by Staghorn Flat Bulls 1279 A good battle at the Terrordome this week saw a new look Blowflys put up a fierce contest against the rampaging Bulls. In a closely fought contest, Staghorn proved too strong in the end with the defensive efforts of Boyd (107), Mackie (116) and Duryea (90) regularly halting the Korumburra forward thrusts and launching the counter attack. Tom Lynch (123) and Alex Fasolo (104) were damaging up forward for the visitors ably supplied by the likes of Rockliff (92) and Hall (94). Goldstein (110) won the Giant Tap against McEvoy (95) giving his mids first use more often than not. New recruit Hodge (124) was everywhere through the midfield and floating back to help out a defense under siege all day. MSD pick up Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (100) shined on debut providing some flair up forward this week. Sloane (114) did what Sloane does and Puopolo (99) was a handy late replacement for the injured Barlow who didn't quite get up in time. Staghorn Flat's win on the road sees them right in the mix for ORFFU finals this year and with depth players like Blair, Bruce, Hill and young McGovern they will be tough to hold out. Meanwhile, Travis Cloke (117) showed he still has what it takes, kicking a bag in the 2's and has put his hand up for a recall to the KB senior side. (#nobidsatauction!). With Jack Redden, Barlow, Mason Cox and promising youngsters Aaron Francis, Matt Kennedy and Nathan Freeman hoping for debuts soon, the future looks bright for KB in 2017 and beyond. @tyze1 Cheers for the updates. Too good this week. No loophole shenanigans - just life getting in the way of fantasy for me again - hence the late match report
Early in the match and a clutch goal from Cyril sees Southern Cross (104/1/104) lead @tyze1 's visiting Bulls (91/2/45.5). Still a long way to go in this one.
...and the injury curse continues to plague Michael Barlow. He will be spending a brief portion of 2017 pre-season in Haiti where he will be seen to by arguably the worlds best witch doctor
At almost quarter time the home town Sandgropers (281/3/94) lead @tyze1 's visiting Bulls (233/4/58). Southern Cross find themselves in the unusual position of having an early lead; there's plenty of guns yet to feature that could indluence the result to go either way.
Grenades 500/6/83.33 with their best start in ages but still behind the Blowfly's 529/7/75.57. This one could be a thriller @Mick
Out at the Lagoon and the Crocs are struggling to keep up with @wrightbrendan 's Buffalos At about halfway through the match scores are: Crocs 340/5/68 Buffalos 580/7/83 Gunston (111) and Ceglar (82) lead the way for the home side while Danger (135) and Zerrett (138) have run rampant for Serengeti.
Into the third at The Sandpit (yep Groper Park has changed its name) and its the locals 753/9/84 leading @tyze1 's visiting Bulls 805/11/73. Still a fair way to go before there's a result but the Sandgropers are doing their best to shape the 8.
If there were seats at Flying Fish Cove Park we'd have ourselves a grandstand finish in the Smugglers/Bunyip clash. Heading into the final 5th @martyg 's Blanchetown lead 1003/13 (77.2) to 896/11 (81.5). The Bunyips have completely dominated the centre clearances with Jacobs (110) giving first use to the star midfield of Pendles (108), Gray (111) and Mitchell (120). Unfortunately for the visitors though this midfield dominance has been butchered by the Bunyips' forward line who have combined for a paltry 206 points, with Mayne's 40 the chief culprit. Dusty Martin has played a sole hand for the Smugglers with his 152 keeping CIFC in the hunt. The final term sees Hurn, Tyson, LeCras and Kreuzer trying to run down 107 points, Geary and Armitage. If everyone plays to their average there's less than 60 points in it, so this one is going to be close.
A big night from Koby Stevens has seen Gisborne jump up to 835/10/83.5, continuing one of their best rounds in recent memory. Korumburra trail on 697/9/77.4 after a solid night from Sloane. At this rate the match will be decided by less than 100 points, but if everyone scores their averages from here it will be decided by less than 10!