Historic moment as Turtles take on the world

History was made at Kevin Scott Oval in Port Hedland last month.

The Hedland AFL Masters - the Flatback Turtles ran out onto the field in their first ever game against the world.

The Karratha Mudcrabs were keen on a run, and made the drive up the road to Hedland to help celebrate the big event.

To top the event off, this was the same weekend that the South Hedland Swans were celebrating their 40th year anniversary weekend, so the Turtles wore the black and white to mark the occasion.

The game was played in great spirit. Both sides had plenty of spares, and the interchange benches were kept very busy throughout the game. The large crowd of several hundred people saw a game like nothing Hedland has seen. The Turtles started strongly, and matched the much seasoned Mudcrabs in the first half. Some great plays by Luke Jessop, Mick Cullen, Josh Cowan, and Slippery Pete saw the game even in the first half. The second half was a bit more one sided, with the Karratha Mudcrabs obvious game day fitness, experienced team work, and drilled planned moves creating some fast and furious plays into their forward line. The Turtles backline stood up when it mattered, and managed to continually push the ball out and back into the centre. A titanic struggle ensured, and the Turtles stood proud. The final score was a draw, and both sides walked off the ground proud and happy with the event.

Great to see this event happen, and the post-game celebrations by both teams included many and much discussions around the formation of a regular program, of games to include Karratha, Broome, Newman and Port Hedland to start with. The possibilities are there, and it seems the Masters is growing in Hedland, and the North Pilbara in 2015. The day could not have been possible without the great support from the kids who ran water, the ice packs presented at the end, and the Swans for helping to incorporate into the celebration weekend.

The next game is against the Newman Vets on the 6th of September. This will be the first showing of the new Turtles jumpers, and no doubt the continuation of the formation of the Masters League in the North Pilbara. So, trainings will continue Monday's at Colin Matheson oval, and Thursday at Kevin Scott oval at 18:00. Come and be part of Hedland history, because we are Hedland history.

For more details, look up Hedland AFL Masters - the Flatback Turtles on Facebook.