NURIOOTPA made it four wins from its past five games as it crushed Kapunda by 76 points in Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football on Saturday.
The Tigers were slow out of the blocks despite leading by seven points, giving away some easy goals courtesy of some undisciplined play.
However, the reigning premier soon found its groove as it kicked four unanswered goals to lead by 34 points at the main break.
The injury-depleted Bombers continued to struggle into the second half, and scored just one behind to the Tigers’ 3.5 during the third term.
Jackson Baldwin was back to his 2015 form, while Sam Gordon was finding plenty of opportunities up forward.
Nuri’s lead extended to 56 points at three-quarter-time, and the Bombers had no answers.
The Tigers kicked a further five goals to two in the final stanza to secure a percentage-boosting win.
Nuri coach Henry Slattery was happy with the victory, but mindful of Kapunda’s injury situation.
“Kapunda were pretty injury riddled, a lot of good players were missing,” he said.
“We knew they were still a quality side, I watched the game against Tanunda the week before and they could’ve easily had five goals on the board in the opening term.
“I think while we kicked a few goals in the first, but we gave them a few easy ones.
“There was an undisciplined free kick which hurt, but they didn’t score for a half up until the last quarter.
“We played some really good footy but I was disappointed we kicked 17 points…but, I’m still pleased with the result.”
Slattery was delighted with Baldwin’s work in the midfield, as well as a number of his players in the engine room.
“He was back to his best, I rate his best in 2015 where he was the ultimate player, he was great in the midfield, he looked dangerous up forward, he’s a hard player to play on,” he said.
“‘Magic’ Raikiwasa was fantastic…every time they went forward he was first to the contest, his ability to get to the ball first is unreal.
“Alec Bryce went to the wing and he played his best game as well.
“Brad Hoepner was really good off half-back, he mopped up the ball really well, and other contributors like Billy Nicholls were great.”
The Tigers face Freeling this week, while the Bombers take on Willaston to try and keep their slim finals hopes alive.
