mmg.com.au

The Tiwi Bombers side coached by former Echuca and Leitchville-Gunbower footballer Leigh Crossman was unable to defend its Northern Territory Football League premiership on Saturday night in a 31-point loss to St Marys.

Crossman led the Bombers to its first premiership last year and, despite leading by six points at the final change, was unable to hold back the St Marys flood to win its 19th successive game and the title.

‘‘It was a really good night,’’ Crossman said.

‘‘The result was obviously disappointing but the boys played very pleasingly.

‘‘They gave their all for two and a half quarters before St Marys — a very, very good side — came over the top in the end.’’

Former Echuca player Kristan Height (two goals) starred for the Bombers, along with Paul Scanlon, Ross Tungatalum (three goals) and Albert Tipungwuti as the team lost 16.6(102) to 11.5(71).

Rochester’s Daniel McLinden also played for the Bombers.

The secondary school teacher said he was planning on spending a couple of weeks thinking about whether he stayed in Darwin after the grand final.

‘‘I have a young family now, so we have to decide what’s best for us,’’ Crossman said.