Looma Eagles stun Cable Beach in upset victory to close out WKFL regular season

The Looma Eagles have taken down last year’s premiers Cable Beach 9.11 (65) to 8.4 (52) in a stunning upset at the weekend as the competition played out its last round before the finals. Looma jumped to the lead early as the sun set at Father McMahon Oval but it looked like Cable Beach would come back to take the lead during the second, 2.4 (16) to 2.2 (14). Cable Beach came out firing in the second with Sonny Dann collecting his second goal midway through the term to bring Cable Beach back within a goal but it was immediately answered with another goal from Looma forward Gilbert Barli. Looma’s half back with Lyle Buck Jnr held everything at bay and launched it back into attack allowing Looma to collect another goal right on the buzzer to bring them to a 24-point lead going into the second half, 7.8 (50) to 4.2 (26). A quick succession of goals at the start of the third term gave Looma a tight grip on the game which they wouldn’t let go of. Cable Beach looked demoralised as each successful turnover energised and stirred Looma forward. Looma’s Gilbert Barli gave consistent delivery to the forward line only to be foiled by a reinvigorated Cable Beach defence. Towards the end of the term, Cable Beach collected three goals as it looked like Looma might be starting to run out of gas, breaking the stalemate and keeping the game alive, 8.9 (57) to 7.4 (46). Looma landed the first goal of the last term, giving them a two-goal buffer, but it was immediately snuffed out with another skilled goal set up by Cj Oakley and executed by Sonny Dann. But Looma clung to the lead with a desperation not often seen as Cable Beach threw everything at the Looma defence in search of a goal. But it was nowhere to be found as the clock ran out, giving Looma their best victory of the season so far, 9.11 (65) to 8.4 (52). Darren Kirkman was a powerhouse for Looma, kicking four of their nine goals. The Broome Towns also had decisive win taking down the Broome Bulls down at Father McMahon Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls surprisingly took the lead in the first term but quickly fell back allowing the Towns to control the game and take home another win ahead of the finals, 11.12 (78) to 6.7 (43). The ladder remains unchanged after round 14, with Broome Towns, Cable Beach, Looma and the Broome Bulls moving onto the finals next week. In the women’s league, the Towns claimed another flawless victory against the Broome Bulls, 12.12 (84) to 0.0 (0). And Cable Beach brought home the win against the Looma Eagles at Nipper Roe Oval on Saturday afternoon, 6.3 (39) to 2.3 (15). Broome Towns, Cable Beach, Looma and Broome Saints now move on to the finals in the women’s league.