North Pilbara claim tough contest

The North Pilbara Football League stormed home with a win over the West Kimberley Football League at the weekend, winning the interleague match 13.13 (91) to 10.15 (75).

It was a hotly contested game from the outset at Colin Matheson Oval in Port Hedland, with the Pilbara side keen to follow up last year’s win against Newman with another win this year.

The first half didn’t look promising for them though, with the West Kimberley side showcasing a strong outfit.

West Kimberley managed to stay in front, dominating play, but it was the final quarter that sealed the win for the NPFL as they kicked 7 goals to finish the match.

Pilbara player Steele Viti kicked five goals for his side on Saturday night with Branden Colbung kicking three, while for the Kimberley side Selwyn Hunter kicked three and Dermott Wilson and Jayden Thomas kicked two.

NPFL interleague team coach Rick Hockey said the game plan was to wear down the opposition and finish strong, adding he knew if his side was going to win, it would be in the last quarter.

“We had pretty basic rules that we had to follow and a game plan we talked about that several days before,” he said.

“We knew initially that at the end of the first quarter, there was a very good chance we wouldn’t be in front because they’re a very fast and flashy team.

“And they got the jump on us.

“The second quarter was much the same as the first they were very skilful and we had to do a lot of hard work on their bodies in terms of stoppages.

“In the third quarter, Broome started showing signs of slowing down (and) we virtually came storming home.”

Hockey said he was pleased with the outcome for his second year as coach, adding Lance Laurance, Chris Simms and Alex Fraunfelter played well for the NPFL side.