Rovers quell Shark attack

Dampier travelled up the highway to Port Hedland on Saturday night to take on the reigning premiers in their round one encounter.

After a good showing in the preseason carnival, in which they played off in the grand final, Sharks were looking to test themselves against last year’s premiership side. What they encountered was a Port Hedland outfit who intend to keep their mantle as the best side in the North Pilbara Football League.

Rovers completely dominated Sharks from the outset, securing a comfortable 26.10 (166) to 6.3 (39) victory to get their premiership defence off to the perfect start.

Dampier battled to contain the running game of Rovers who were able to move the ball effectively from their defensive half to their key forwards. Whilst more competitive around the stoppages, Sharks struggled to hit their forward targets with any precision as Rovers were constantly applying pressure to their opponents all over the ground.

After half time Sharks lost a couple of players to injury which didn’t help their cause to get themselves back into the game. Rovers weren’t immune to injuries either, having two players take no further part after three-quarter-time.

With Ben Stevenson and Jesse Simpson dominating in the middle, forwards Jade Hodge (nine goals) and Daniel Johnson (three goals) were receiving plenty of quality delivery which enabled them to kick Rovers to a winning score. Reigning Rovers’ best and fairest Chris Simms also chimed in with three goals.

Brett Dale and Ross Jones performed well for Sharks and young 16-year-old Reece Stewart kicked three goals to give the scoreboard some respectability.

It was a mirror image in the reserves, with Rovers running out 21.11 (137) to 4.4 (28) victors.

Sharks were unable to match the running game of Rovers, who are also out to defend their premiership from last year. Better players for Sharks were Lee Gough, Jordan Carpenter and Rohan Hay. Whilst for Rovers, Travis Deall, Albert Simpson and James Lynch led the way. Jason Leuman bagged seven majors for the home side.