Football: Both Hedlands looking to grand final berths

The prospect of an all-Hedland grand final in the North Pilbara Football League remains a distinct possibility after both local sides recorded comfortable wins in the final round of the season.

Port Hedland Rovers put an exclamation mark on one of the strongest years in club history by recording its 12th victory from 14 starts with a 21.11 (137) to 10.7 (67) mauling of Kats.

Despite resting key players in the lead up to this weekend’s semi final showdown with Falcons, Rovers put on a clinical display in Karratha to have the game sown up by half time. Led by a midfield brigade of Jason Orr, Matt Virgo and Geoff Page, Rovers booted 13 majors in the first half to hold a 52-point lead at the main break.

Key forward Tristan Myers booted five goals to lock up the league’s leading goal kicker award while Todd Keyser and Orr were also prominent in front of the big sticks.

Kats, also missing several starters, showed resilience in the second half but ultimately proved no match for Port, who officially wrapped up the NPFL minor premiership.

Michael Smith kicked five goals in a losing side for Kats who now face the daunting task of travelling to Hedland to take on a red-hot Swans in this Saturday’s first semi final.

South put the finishing touches on a remarkable season, which has seen them transformed from cellar dwellers to premiership contenders, on Saturday night with a 70-point win over Dampier.

As has become their trademark, Troy Ugle’s men burst out of the gate against Sharks to hold a six-goal lead by half time.

Kevin Charles was the chief destroyer in attack for Swans with five majors while Nick Minett chipped in with four.

Dampier fought on admirably in the second half but finished a disappointing season, in which it finished second last on the league ladder, with a 20.14 (134) to 10.4 (64) loss.

Lewis Upton booted four goals for Sharks who now turn their attention to season 2012.

In the reserves, Rovers tuned up for this weekend’s Falcons clash with a solid 40-point victory over Kats while Swans claimed the fourth and last finals spot in a gritty 14-point win over Sharks.

Falcons had the weekend off as Wickham forfeited its final game of the year.