Kats’ flying start sets up big victory

Pink Hedland Rovers were out in force against their southern rivals, Karratha Kats, on Saturday, with the local team donning hot pink jumpers in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The night game was bitterly cold and despite the enthusiasm from the local team, the Rovers struggled early. The Kats kicked five goals and nine points to no score in the first quarter of the league match.

The Dogs managed to limit the damage throughout the game but the situation looked dire as Karratha raised their score to 53 points in the second quarter then 92 in the third, while the Dogs remained on eight points.

Elijah Robinson gave Rovers a much-needed morale boost in the last five minutes of the final term as he intercepted a cross-field switch and ran almost half the field with three bounces for a goal in the open square.

Kats won 16.18 (114) to 2.3 (15).

The scoreline was much the same in the reserves, with Kats winning every quarter to break out with a 21.15 (141) to 3.4 (22) win. Rovers coach Troy Melville, who played in the reserves match, said despite the score Hedland players had put the Kats under pressure and he was rapt with their efforts.