Netball trophy honours lost detective

Hedland police tried everything from arresting opposing teams to investigating themselves for match fixing during last weekend’s Tweeddale Cup netball trophy.

Yet even these steps were not enough to stop opposing sides from outclassing team Cops in the Tweeddale Cup Memorial Netball Tournament.

Held to honour Detective Senior Constable Mark Tweeddale, who died during a social netball game last August after collapsing on the Wanangkura courts, team Hedland Heat ran out eventual winners, beating Welfare Warriors in the final 21-8.

With teams named Pilbara Specials and Hospital Swingers, the tournament was always focused on fun over form.

Yet that did not stop Port Hedland police Sergeant Jayd Morawski throwing barbed critiques at his colleagues from the sidelines.

“Ultimately, we are much better police officers than netball players,” he said.

“We achieved our goal of consistency throughout the day — we played two games and recorded two losses.”

Organised by Pilbara police, the Town of Port Hedland and the YMCA, the day was widely hailed a success.

It raised $1349 to be split between Police Legacy and Det. Sen. Const. Tweeddale’s family.

When the 40-year-old officer died last August, he left behind wife Kylie and young children Lucas and Hannah.

Officer Tweeddale had spent 13 years in the force, including seven as detective, and arrived in South Hedland in 2013.

With Kylie Tweeddale and her family attending the event, East Pilbara Detectives officer in charge Tony Langer said the cup was a fitting way to remember his “nice guy” colleague.

“The spirit (was) for people to come together and have fun, which they have,” he said.

“It has been a great day.”