WARATAH stayed on top of the Women’s Premier League ladder after a close tussle with traditional rivals the Darwin Buffettes at Marrara on Saturday.

The red and whites did not score in the first and third quarters but did enough through their Tiwi Island connection in the second and last terms to win by 11 points.

Defender Sherayn Puruntatameri was her side’s best player, while Latina and Christine Puruntatameri booted five of the team’s seven goals in the 7.9 (51) to 6.4 (40) win.

The Buffettes had their chances, leading by a goal at the last change through Meredith Turner’s three goals and Tikesa Docherty-Cole, but falling at the last hurdle when Tahs kicked four goals to two to grab the four premiership points on offer.

Buffettes coach Chris Atkinson said the class of Tahs’ island girls had turned the tide.

“We gave everything all match and just couldn’t get over the line,’’ he said.

“A special mention to Alice Springs’ Nicolette Dunn in her first game for us. Her dad Dennis was a superstar in the NTFL and she is going in that direction.’’

Southern Districts jumper to fourth with a hard earned 29-point win over Nightcliff.

Bella Clarke through the midfield and Amelia Bartlem in a rotational role through the midfield and up forward were the best for the Crocodiles.

“We had to work hard for that win with four first gamers out there, but we’re happy to get the points against a Nightcliff side that had a red-hot go,’’ Districts coach Tarmon Elliott said.

In other games, PINT beat St Mary’s by 54 points at Gardens Oval to go second on the ladder and Palmerston beat Wanderers by 18 points at Asbuild Oval.

The Magpies got great value from Vanessa Mounsey in the ruck and Freda Puruntatameri around the ground.