Swans down rivals Rovers by 20 points in highly anticipated Hedland derby

The opening round clash between South Hedland Swans and Port Hedland Rovers saw the Swans claim a 20 point victory over their cross town rivals.

The game took place at Rovers’ Colin Matheson Oval on April 22 with the visitors taking control of the game in the opening quarter kicking four goals to the home side’s one.

Rovers rallied in the second term, booting 4.1 to South’s 2.1 to cut the deficit to just two goals at half time.

It was all Swans in the third quarter with South Hedland locking the ball in their forward 50 and having repeated shots at goal.

The Swans’ inaccuracy kept the rovers in the game, with South Hedland booting 2.5 to lead by just 15 points at the final change.

In the end, it mattered little with South Hedland securing victory over their rivals Port Hedland 10.13 (73) to 8.5 (53).

Meanwhile, the reserves side doubled up with South downing Port by 15 points.

South Hedland took the lead early in the first term before scores were tied 29 apiece at half time.

A dominant third term saw Swans steal the momentum running out to a 13 point lead at three quarter time.

A four goal final quarter sealed it for South Hedland who claimed victory 11.9 (75) to 8.12 (60).