Sharks snatch top spot after thrashing Kats, Wolves and Falcons notch wins in NPFL round seven

The Dampier Sharks have moved to the top of the North Pilbara Football League ladder after a resounding victory over the Karratha Kats in round seven. The June 10 game at Windy Ridge Oval saw the Sharks get off to a hot start, scoring the opening three goals before the Kats mounted a comeback to go into the quarter-time break trailing 26-24. It was a back-and-forth second quarter before the Sharks were able to firm their grip on the game with a 12-point lead at the main break. The Sharks carried on with that momentum after half-time to blow away the Kats by 50 points on the back of an eight-goal second half. In the end Dampier Sharks 15.9 (99) defeated Karratha Kats 7.7 (49). Aaron Victor (four goals) and Guy Langdon (three goals) were the standout players for the Sharks, while Dylan Hansen and Kevin Seelander booted two goals each for the Kats. The Wickham Wolves overcame a game South Hedland Swans by 24 points in a high-scoring affair at Wickham Oval. It was an arm-wrestle in the opening term, with both teams battling for momentum before the Wolves seized control in the second quarter. Wickham’s Tom Higgins continued his strong form this season with a six-goal haul to guide his team to victory over the Swans, 17.14 (116) to 13.14 (92). Higgins was supported by teammate Landon Punch, who bagged four goals, while Aneaus Brierly was the top goal scorer for Swans with three. The final game of the round saw the Karratha Falcons secure a vital victory on the road against the Port Hedland Rovers, defeating the home side by 36 points. Falcons trailed by a goal at quarter-time but proved they were up for the fight, turning the tables to hold an 11-point lead at half-time. It was all Falcons after the break, with the visiting side running away with the victory 17.3 (105) to 10.9 (69). Cliff Brough (seven goals), Brodie Burton (three goals) and Stirling Hayden were dominant for the Falcons, while Joel Avery (three goals) was the top scorer for Rovers.