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Falcons put up good fight in loss

Falcons player Todd Mcpartlan weaves away from a Rovers tackler.

The Port Hedland Rovers overcame a determined Karratha Falcons outfit by 25 points last Saturday to get their 2015 North Pilbara Football League season off to a winning start.

But while the final margin looked comfortable, it did not reflect the ferocity of the contest.

Skilful by foot and hand, the Falcons matched last year's grand finalists through three quarters of physical footy, before the Rovers managed to kick away in the final term to win 15.11 (101) to 12.4 (76).

Rovers coach Greg Mastrangelo praised his opponents for their tough and entertaining brand of football.

"They were very competitive, they brought up a good side, they used the ball well and they are a young group, so their coach has plenty to work with," he said.

"We certainly had some sore boys after the game, but that just shows it was a close contest."

But while the win got the Rovers off to a flying start in 2015, the team will be mindful to time its run to the finals after dominating last year, then stumbling in the decider.

Mastrangelo said this year his side aimed to build throughout the season, having concentrated on their ball skills during the pre-season.

"It always good to get off to a good start … our foot and ball skills are okay for this time of the season," he said.

"The fitness will eventually come - the main thing is to use the footy well."

Mastrangelo said Rovers ruckman Luke McCulloch was a standout all day for the home side, while new recruits Luke Chapman and Brett Mentiplay were excellent in the midfield and backline.

He said the NPFL teams appeared evenly matched.

"With four close games, it looks like it is probably going to be an even year where the lesser-known sides can take some big scalps," he said.