In-form Rovers cause giant upset

The highly anticipated opening game of the North Pilbara Football League season saw the Port Hedland Rovers stun the reigning premiers, the South Hedland Swans, by 52 points in a giant upset.

The game took place at Collin Matheson Oval on Friday night and saw the Rovers take a slender seven-point lead against the Swans at quarter-time.

The Rovers took that momentum going into the second quarter kicking four goals to one to lead the shell-shocked reigning premiers by 28 points at the main break.

A fired-up Swans came out in the second half but were unable to close the gap to the Rovers during the third term with both teams kicking three goals each. Leading by 26 points at the final break, the home side refused to give the Swans a chance in the final term, kicking a massive five goals to the Swans one to seal the victory.

In the end the Rovers defeated the Swans 15.12 (102) to 7.8 (50).

It was a team-scoring effort for Port Hedland with the goals spread among 11 players, and Luke Hockey leading the way with three goals.

Meanwhile in the reserves, Port Hedland controlled the ball to dismantle the Swans over the four quarters.

Opportunities in front of goal kept the Swans in the game, but the ball remained firmly in the Rovers attacking 50 throughout.

The final score saw the Rovers defeat the Swans 6.17 (53) to 3.6 (24).