Aspley on a roll after comfortable win over NT Thunder

The four-year drought in Alice Springs continues for NT Thunder as Aspley made it three wins in a row with a comfortable 53-point victory on Saturday night.

Scores were level at quarter-time but the Hornets took control thereafter, kicking 11 goals to three to run away 15.10 (100) to 7.6 (48) winners at TIO Traeger Park.

It was always expected to be an uphill battle for the 10th-placed Thunder, but they started well, with local product Dylan Barry kicking the opening goal of the game much to the delight of the home crowd.

It proved to be a slow start for Aspley, who were unable to take the lead until the start of the second quarter.

After gaining momentum towards the end of the first half, Aspley carried on with the job with the first three goals of the third opening up a 38-point lead.

Thunder’s battle got harder as the game wore on after they lost midfielders Clinton Gallio and Brodie Carroll to injury in the first half, but they managed to reduce the margin to 26 points at the last change.

However, the result was put beyond doubt when Aspley booted the first three goals of the last term.

A number of senior players led the charge for the Hornets, including co-captain James Ives. With two goals and 24 disposals the experienced midfielder made a large impact on the game.

Ruckman Jake Spencer was formidable with 19 disposals, 10 marks, 45 hit-outs and two goals.

For Thunder, it was their local Alice Springs contingent which stole the show with Nigel Lockyer and Abraham Ankers (23 disposals, five clearances) among their better players.

Young defender Kieren Parnell also had one of his best games this season, finishing with 17 disposals (13 contested) and four rebound 50s.

With this win Aspley consolidated its place in the top six and as strong final contenders.

The Hornets will host the Canberra Demons at home next weekend, and NT Thunder will find themselves in another hard contest when they come head-to-head with second place Southport.

NT Thunder v Aspley Hornets at TIO Traeger Park

ASPLEY 4.1 7.3 10.7 15.10 (100)
NT THUNDER 4.1 4.2 6.5 7.6 (48)

GOALS – Aspley: J Freeman 3 J Spencer 2 C Stackelberg 2 J Ives 2 W Murphy 2 J Nelis M Payne J Hayden J Arnold. NT Thunder: D Barry 3 N Lockyer N Paredes N Yarran A Ankers.
BEST – Aspley: J Spencer J Ives C Carseldine J Arnold C Stackelberg M Payne. NT Thunder: N Lockyer Jnr A Ankers K Parnell D Weetra E Liddle B Rioli.

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