Darwin Season 2 2023 Wrap Mens & Womens Comp

Men’s Over 35’s Division Inferno Magpies (13) v Maddogs (4) 

Referees: Stuart Birkin, Michael Esam, Clayton Lane

With Inferno Magpies taking the win, coming out on top with a 13 - 4 result over Maddogs. Both sides dug deep util the end and especially with rain pouring down on them, it was a quality game played from both sides. Maddogs fought hard to the end, continuing to apply pressure and find ways to score. But a huge defensive effort from Inferno was just too much for them in the end and kept them to 4 tries. For a team who pride themselves on defence, conceding only 1 loss this year, it says a lot for the team and their ability, and this makes it a 3rd Grand Final win. 

Terence ‘TK’ Kong (Inferno Magpies) walked home with the trifecta. He ended the season voted best on ground on the night, the highest try scorer, and was awarded the Over 35s Men’s Season Best and Fairest as well. A representative player on our NT Devils and ADF Touch Football team, TK had a stella year in 2023. 

Grand Final Best on Ground:  Terence ‘TK’ Kong (Inferno Magpies) 

Highest Try Scorer (Season): Terence ‘TK’ Kong (Inferno Magpies) 

Best & Fairest (Season): Terence ‘TK’ Kong (Inferno Magpies) 

 

Women’s Division 3 Untouchables (9) v Inferno Magpies Women (3) 

Referees: Danny Dong, Jennifer Roe, Kieren Crowe

Both sides had a mix of experience and youth on the field which made for a great contest.  

Untouchables turned on the heat in the second half with Fern Hancock—one of our rising stars—scoring 4 tries to get her team far out in front. The result went their way and with only one sub it was a gutsy effort that proved enough. Inferno Magpies’ Ashleigh Readett also scored a double and is another one who’s known to find the tryline. But with wet weather and a few errors from both sides, the Untouchables were the ones to deliver the win on the night. 

Fern Hancock (Untouchables) an absolute team player and future rising star took home every award as well scoring the Most Tries of the Season, named best on ground in the grand final, and the big one—Season Best and Fairest. 

  

Grand Final Best on Ground:  Fern Hancock (Untouchables) 

Highest Try Scorer (Season): Fern Hancock (Untouchables) 

Best & Fairest (Season): Fern Hancock (Untouchables) 

 

 

Women’s Division 2 TERF Women’s (8) v Darwin Crocs (5) 

Referees: Marcos Steinhardt, Isaac Lane, George Edols

TERF and Crocs played a well fought game battling against each other in the wet weather.  

With Megan Johnston (TERF) snagged herself another try for the season and is the leading try scorer as well. She led into the game on a total of 27 tries scored for the season and also took home the season Best and Fairest award.  

Crocs played very consistently throughout the game and battled hard. Sadly, they couldn't quite get the final result to swing in their favour but I’m sure they’ll be even more determined next year to hit the field and come away with the chocolates. 

Grand Final Best on Ground: (TERF) Adele Backwell, hard worker in attack and defence, has a never give up attitude, will keep turning up for her team mates till the final whistle blows.  

Highest Try Scorer (Season): Megan Johnson (TERF) 

Best & Fairest (Season): Megan Johnson (TERF) 

 

 

Men’s Division 2 Inferno Magpies (11) v Tip Touchers (7) 

Referees: George Edols, Wayne Lo, Stuart Birkin

What an absolute cracker of a game.  

Adam Wilson and Jack Fitzgerald both of Tip Touchers, scored doubles to put their team in front leading into half time with the score at 6 – 5. The experience of the Inferno Magpies’ Brodie Morcom and their young buck Joel Munnich took its toll and saw them take the reins in the second half. Leading like generals around the field they put players in the right positions to take the lead and snatch the win. Joel Munnich scored 4 tries and ended the night with an absolutely great come-back. 

Grand Final Best on Ground: (Inferno Magpies) Joel Munnich, off the field, he can be a bit of a pest, as reported by his teammates, but on the field, he is a leader, playmaker, and workhorse of the side, often putting the team on his back to ensure they get the result they want. 

Highest Try Scorer (Season): Matthew Coggan (Beeracudas) 

Best & Fairest (Season): Leslie Leon (Beeracudas) 

 

 

Women’s Division 1 Darwin Crocs Black (3) v Vipers (1) 

Referees: Marcos Steinhardt, Jordan McDonald, Michael Esam

This was once again a close fought final. Tamara Appo’s experience was clear as she led her team to a 3-1 win over the Vipers.  

Unfortunately carrying a series of injuries that saw them finish with one sub on the bench, the Vipers worked hard to stay in the contest. Right to the end, Michelle Duggan (Vipers) showed her class, inspiring her team in both attack and defence. Sadly, it was to no avail as the combination of experience and youth in the Darwin Crocs Black team proved too strong in the end. 

Grand Final Best on Ground: Was a three-way tie. With, Darwin Crocs Black’s Tamara Appo—who scored a fantastic try during the game; Marlee Gunderson also of the Darwin Crocs Black team—chasing down great intercept; and the Vipers’ Margaret Dau—with her outstanding defensive work throughout the game, receiving equal votes on the night.  

Desley Motlop Leading Try Scorer Award: Makenzy Smith (Darwin Crocs Green) 20 Tries  

Kim Bond U21 Women’s Player of the Year Award Winners: Elise Harden (Darwin Crocs Green) and Makenzy Smith (Darwin Crocs Green)  

Pacita Bonson Player of the Year Award Winners: Elise Harden (Darwin Crocs Green) and Makenzy Smith (Darwin Crocs Green)  

 

Men’s Division 1 Inferno Magpies Men (9) v Darwin Crocs Men (7) 

Referees: Darcy Lawrence, Jordan McDonald, Clayton Lane

This was another classic battle between two heavy weights.  

Inferno Magpies took home the chocolates over a fast-finishing Darwin Crocs. Inferno Magpies were led from the front by their captain Thomas Edgword who scored two tries himself and had a hand in numerous others. Even the valiant second half effort and hat-trick from Jesse Thamm (Darwin Crocs), wasn’t quite enough to stop the Inferno Magpies taking out the win. Notably this was a three-peat for the team and takes them to a total of 8 Premierships. 

Joe Bonson Leading Try Scorer Award: Shoshone Thompson (TERF Kings ) 20 Tries 

Phillip Verrall U21 Men’s Player of the Year Award: Shoshone Thompson (TERF Kings)  

Norm Cramp Player of the Award: Shoshone Thompson (TERF Kings)