Rovers emerge victorious and Kats maintain winning streak in round one of North Pilbara Football League

The Dampier Sharks and Port Hedland Rovers jumped their way to the top alongside Karratha Kats in round one of the North Pilbara Football League at the weekend, with an epic start to the season. At Wickham Town Oval on April 20, the Wolves had a rocky start to their home game, with the Sharks establishing a 51-point lead by halftime. Ricky Cary and Harrison Weeding were standout goal kickers with five goals each, with Aaron Victor close behind with four goals. The final score saw Dampier Sharks defeat Wickham Wolves 19.6 (120) to 6.9 (45). At Bulgarra Reserve, the unbeaten Kats dominated the first half by controlling the contest with a 34-point lead against the Falcons. After a short break, the energised Falcons came back strong and shortened the Kats’ lead by kicking four goals over their rival’s one, , finishing the third quarter with just a 14-point difference. Unfortunately for the Falcons, it was too little too late, as the Kats downed the Falcons 14.5 (89) to 11.12 (78) and maintained their winning streak. At Colin Matheson Reserve, the Port Hedland Rovers tore into the South Hedland Swans in a grand comeback from their 2023 season, leading the game with 20 points by half-time. Carrying their momentum into the second half, Rovers kept their lead and excelled in the final quarter, pushing back the Swans and bringing home the win 9.6 (60) to 5.9 (39). Round two will take place on Saturday, with Swans up against the Sharks, Falcons facing Rovers, and Wolves up against the unbeaten Kats.