Rovers fall to speed of Wolves

The Port Hedland Rovers will be left to rue what might have been after a disappointing loss to Wickham Wolves saw them bow out of the North Pilbara Football League in the first round of finals in Wickham on Saturday.

The first quarter set the tone for the game as the Rovers back line were too slow for the Wickham forwards.

Despite poor accuracy in front of goal from both teams, Wickham were able to notch three goals from seven opportunities, while Hedland finished the first period with a measly one goal, Wickham 3.4 (22) to Port 1.3 (9).

In the second quarter it looked as if the Rovers kicked into gear, slotting home four goals without a single behind or out on the full and bringing the deficit back to just three points heading into the half-time break, Wickham 5.6 (36) to Port 5.3 (33).

However, the second half again proved a sticky point for the Rovers as a number of quick goals for Wickham blew the lead out despite incredibly poor accuracy in front of goal from the home side, Wickham 8.10 (58) to Port Hedland 6.3 (39).

The fourth quarter seemed more of a formality than a contest, with the Port Hedland Rovers only having two chances in front of goal while the Wickham Wolves continued to punish the Rovers backline.

Wickham will be celebrating the contribution of key forwards Jarrod Cross and Tom Higgins after they bagged an impressive seven goals between them.

The game finished Wickham 10.12 (72) to Port Hedland 7.4 (46), meaning Wickham will continue to the preliminary final and face a formidable Karratha Kats, who lost to the Swans in their double-chance semifinal.

The Rovers reserves were also left to return home with their tail between their legs after getting smashed by the Wickham reserves, 9.8 (62) to 3.3 (21).

Wickham reserves will now face the South Hedland Swans reserves next weekend to see who makes it through to face Karratha Kats in the second-tier grand final.