NT Thunder snapped a five-match losing streak in style when they came from behind to defeat Redland by 12 points in a wet weather slog at Scottsdale Park.
A Mark of the Year contender from Lima Patrick and Darren Ewing’s 600th NEAFL goal came throughout a thrilling contest as the visitors booted six goals to two in the final term to come out on top 12.9 (81) to 10.9 (69).
A downpour in the opening term made it tough for scoring opportunities as a lone goal from Matt Hammelmann – who soccered from the goal square – was the only major in a low-scoring first quarter. It took less than a minute in to the second quarter for star NT Thunder midfielder Abe Ankers to rove a boundary throw in and slam through his side’s first goal to draw scores level at 1.5 each.
NT Thunder added five goals to three for the term, including Ewing’s 600th league goal when he got boot to ball on the goal line at the 18-minute mark. Trailing by seven points at half-time, it was Redland’s turn to fire back in the third when they wrestled back the lead.
Patrick soared for one of the mark’s of the season at the 18-minute mark but missed the shot on goal, and the Bombers took advantage.
They closed out the quarter with four consecutive goals to enter the last with a handy nine-point buffer.
But their good work came unstuck when Ankers immediately shifted momentum with his second major to start the last term, cutting the margin to four, and Cam Ilett put his side in front shortly after.
Hammelmann’s sixth goal after five minutes saw another lead change, but NT Thunder kicked in to gear with the next three.
Clay Cameron marked and goaled after 22 minutes to give the Bombers some hope, but Chris Williams put the result beyond doubt soon after.
Ankers was superb for the visitors and was well supported by Sam Smith in defence, Ilett, Matt Campbell and Joe Anderson through the midfield.
For Redland, Brad Howard and Hammlemann were their best performers as they remain with one win for the season.
NT Thunder, still a mathematical chance of making finals – hosts Sydney in Darwin next week, while Redland face a red-hot Canberra in the nation’s capital.
NT Thunder: 0.5 5.7 6.9 12.9 (81)
Redland Bombers 1.5 4.6 8.6 10.9 (69)
Goals: – NT Thunder: J Stokes 3 D Ewing 2 C Williams 2 A Ankers 2 J Anderson C Ilett S McLeod. Redland: M Hammelmann 6 C Cameron A Christensen B Howard J Lyons.
Best:– NT Thunder: A Ankers S Smith C Ilett M Campbell J Anderson H Drogemuller. Redland: B Howard M Hammelmann J Barnes A Williams P Yagmoor.
