The clash, which pitted the top two teams of the 2015-16 NTFL under-18 competition against one another, shaped up as one of the games of the year and was played at a frantic pace.

As both teams produced plenty of centre clearances and fast ball movement deep into their respective forward lines, Kealyn Kelly provided first use of the Sherrin for the Hawks with Jess Buderick leading the way.

Buderick’s leadership has improved with each game this season and his tenacity, ferocious tackling and clean disposals have allowed him to emerge as one of the competition’s most dangerous players.

The Hawks star went down with a minor ankle injury in the fourth quarter, but club officials said they were confident it would only keep him out of action for a few games.

With plenty of players showing off their talent, AFLNT Katherine manager Eamon Rice said the Hawks could be proud of their performance and levelled praise towards Sam Guempel.

“Carroll and Guempel were dominant,” he said.

“Guempel’s closing speed on his opponent is a rare talent.

“Plenty of premier league teams would be putting their hand up for him after witnessing his performance.”

Despite the class of the Hawks, the Tigers put the bite into the Katherine line-up to secure a 46-point win and leapfrog into top spot on the competition ladder.

The Hawks remain in outright second position on 44 points.

The Hawks return to Darwin on February 6 when they play the Southern Districts Crocs at TIO Stadium 2 at 12.15pm.

NIGHTCLIFF TIGERS 13.10 (88) defeated BIG RIVER HAWKS 6.6 (42)