Dampier Sharks take a bite out of Port Hedland Rovers to remain undefeated in North Pilbara Football League

The Dampier Sharks continued their undefeated streak, cruising to victory over the Port Hedland Rovers by 33 points at Colin Matheson Oval on Saturday 13.9 (87) to 8.6 (54). The Sharks got off to a solid start, leading by 12 at the first break. First quarters have been a strength for the top-of-the-table team, winning every opening stanza this season. Rain began to fall in the second term but the conditions did not slow the Sharks down. They went into half time with a 6.2 (38) to 3.3 (21) lead. The Sharks blew the Rovers away in the third term, with an efficient 12.4 (76) scoreline heading into the final break. Their accuracy in front of goal helped them attain an unassailable 47-point lead at three quarter time and they never looked back. The visitors looked in control the entire match as their midfield proved too dominant for the home side. It was the skilful quick ball movement through the middle that gave the Sharks’ forwards first use. This allowed the Dampier side to pile on goal after goal and eventually run away with the victory. Sharks’ forward Harrison Weeding was the beneficiary of the midfield advantage, booting a game high three goals. James Lowe and Lindsay Chubby added to the winning total with two goals each. The travelling side showed how balanced they were as a team with nine individual goal kickers for the match. Tom Paton was best on ground for the Rovers, snagging three majors. The loss puts the Rovers in fourth position with three wins and three losses. It was a similar tale in the reserves fixture with the Sharks defeating the Rovers 8.6 (54) to 4.3 (27). Dampier’s Layton Cooper, fresh from a five goal haul against the Kats, continued his impressive form, booting three majors to bring his competition-leading tally total to 22. The Sharks’ reserves sit on top of the ladder with only one loss for the season while Port Hedland are fourth.