Pilbara footy: Port Hedland Rovers come from behind to clip Karratha Falcons’ wings in 21 point win

The Port Hedland Rovers defeated the Karratha Falcons by 21 points in a tight, scrappy contest at Colin Matheson Oval on Saturday night. The Rovers trailed the Falcons 34-29 at the major break but fought back, winning the battle of the midfield to hold on to second spot on the ladder. The Port Hedland side was inaccurate with set shot kicking, posting 11.12 (78) to the travelling team’s 8.9 (57), but created enough chances to get the four points. It was not all smiles for the home side, with Liam Hicks-Ansey falling awkwardly on his right leg in the second term and taking no further part in the match. Ashley Mulhall, Dylan Campbell, Isaiah Coppin and Chris Sims each booted two goals for the Rovers in an evenly spread performance in the forward line. It was Cory Wilkins however who kicked the most crucial goal with a snap out of the pack in the third quarter to give Rovers the lead. Only minutes later Isaiah Coppin added another one to put the home side 13 points up and ignite the local crowd. This brought the score to 55-41 heading into the final quarter. Clifford Brough and Kyle Hart were the best for the Falcons, booting two goals each. The Falcons showed some aggression in the final term with Justin Patching’s head high tackle resulting in a yellow card. A melee ensued but it did not distract the Rovers who kept their cool as Pete Stevens slotted the sealer. The reserves match echoed the seniors with the Rovers defeating an inaccurate Falcons by 19 points in a low-scoring affair, 5.9 (39) to 2.8 (20). The home side led at every break and were up by 20 points going into the last quarter. From there the Port Hedland side comfortably cruised to victory and sit third on the ladder. The Rovers travel to face the Karratha Kats this week at Millars Well.