PINT's bid for back-to-back premierships in the NTFL's 2023/24 TIO Women's Premier League remains on track after a comprehensive five-goal win over fellow finalists Nightcliff.
The Round 16 clash at DXC Arena was a rematch of their Round 2 encounter when PINT won a low scoring affair by a single point.
But there was no close finish for the Tiger women this time as the Rick Nolan coached Queenants took control after half-time to maintain their unbeaten record in the 2023-24 season.
Nolan said Nightcliff had made it a tough encounter, praising his players post match for their ability to withstand their opponents' pressure.
"That was one of our better performances of the season, I'd rate that win pretty highly against a very good side in Nightcliff,'' Nolan said.
"It was a physical game where both sides tackled pretty hard, making it a gutsy win.''
Jasmyn Hewett and Reni Hicks in the following division, Stella Ajani on a wing and strong marking defender Kate Atkins were four quarter contributors for the Queenants.
St Mary's remain a game behind PINT after a convincing 43-point win over Waratah at Gardens Oval.
The Saints won the game in the second quarter when they kicked five goals without reply, eventually kicking 8.9 (57) to Tahs' 2.2 (14).
The ease of the win and on-field discipline was a strong indication the Ryan Smith coached Saints are a serious chance to win their first WPL flag since 2010.
Jemma Iacono was Saints' best in a midfield-forward role, earning praise from her coach who described her performance as one of her best of the season.
Danielle Ponter was her usual self assured self, while Janet Baird in a key defensive role and Caitlin Sargent found plenty of the football across half forward.
Smith told his players at the quarter time break they needed to lift their intensity and pressure against a Tahs side in third place on the ladder.
"We were a bit fumbly in the first quarter but we addressed that by increasing our pressure around the ball in the second term,'' Smith said.
"We got a lot of forward entries but weren't making the most of them and girls responded with a very good second quarter.''
Southern Districts rebounded from a disappointing loss to Palmerston seven days ago by outplaying the pacy Tiwi Bombers at Gardens Oval.
The Lady Crocs moved to eighth on the ladder after an all they way 7.5 (47) to 4.11 (35) win that effectively snuffed out the Tiwis' chances of a debut finals campaign.
Coach Peter Lake pointed to his side's backline as the key to Districts' win, specifically full back Ashlee Walsh, who dominated in the last line.
"We've just got Ashlee back after she broke her finger at training following the first game, so it was good to have her back after the Christmas break.
"It was probably a little bit scrappy at times, but sometimes wins aren't the prettiest games where you have to graft them out, we were pleased the girls lifted after last week's loss.''
Rhania Hewitt through the midfield and Norwood recruit Charlotte Nenke were other good contributors to Districts' fourth win of the season.
The Darwin Buffettes snapped an eight-game losing streak when they beat Wanderers by 73 points at Cazaly's Arena in Palmerston.
Only inaccuracy in front of goals prevented a bigger win, with Amber Wunungmurra's four goals the standout performance in a 9.22 (76) to 0.3 (3) win.
Molly Althouse in her customary ruck-forward role and fourth-gamer Grace Doughty through the midfield were other Buffettes to shine.
Melinda Taylor's side moved back into finals contention with the win placing them only half a game and two percentage points behind fifth-placed Palmerston.
Tough games against Waratah (3rd) and St Mary's (2nd) will determine whether the double blue jumpers are there at the business end of the season.
