Classy Kiwirrkurra dominate
Kiwirrkurra made a successful start to round 1 of Ngurra Kujungka's Western Desert League footy and softball championships this month, running out victors in both sports.
Renowned for picturesque dusty ovals and displays of outlandish skills, the Western Desert League each year pits remote communities Kiwirrkurra, Punmu, Parnngurr, Parnpajinya, Jigalong, Nullagine and Warralong against each other in three sports carnivals.
With this year's round 1 held in Punmu from April 6 to 9, Kiwirkurra's Aussie Rules men overcame a tight early contest in the grand final against Warralong to get on top in the second half and win comfortably, 7.6 (48) to 3.2 (20).
The Kiwirrkurra women also showed their class and fight as they staged a remarkable comeback to run over the top of Parnngurr by scoring six runs-to-nil in the final innings as they won 12-11 in a nailbiter.
Ngurra Kujungka program manager Dan Barnes, from the non-profit group that organises the carnivals, said there were many highlights from round 1.
"This included the evenness of the football and softball competitions, players from Kunawaritji taking part for the first time in a few seasons by assisting the Parnngurr team and the softball women helping to umpire their own games.
"But a real highlight was the participation in the Kids Sport program with between 30 and 40 kids taking part each day."
Footy wrap
Six teams from Western Desert communities took part in round 1 Aussie Rules competition with each side playing each other once throughout the first three days before the top four progressed to the final day of action.
Kiwirrkurra dropped just one game during round-robin competition to finish on top, ahead of Warralong, Punmu and Jigalong Eagles, while Jigalong Suns and Parnngurr missed out on the finals.
In the second semifinal, Kiwirrkurra defeated Warralong to advance straight to the grand final, while in the knockout semifinal hosts Punmu won a nailbiter over Jigalong Eagles.
This meant Punmu faced Warralong in the preliminary final.
But the hosts were unable to notch the win, meaning Warralong advanced to the grand final for a rematch with Kiwirrkurra.
Despite putting up a brave fight in the first half, Warralong could not keep pace with the champions as Kiwirrkurra captain Cedric Bennett led his team to victory and picked up the player of the carnival award along the way.
Softball wrap
Seven teams took part in the softball, which, like the football, was tight and hard fought.
Undefeated Punmu finished on top ahead of defending champions Kiwirrkurra, followed by Parnpajinya and Parnngurr, while Jigalong, Nullagine and Warralong missed the finals by ending outside the top four.
In the second semifinal Kiwirkurra flexed their muscles and inflicted the first loss of the carnival on Punmu, winning 12-6.
In the knockout final, the ever-improving Parnpajinya took on Parnngurr, with the girls from Cotton Creek winning 18-12.
In the preliminary final, Parnngurr were full of confidence as they took on Punmu and prevailed, causing a massive upset to advance to the grand final and send the hosts out in straight sets.
To win the carnival after finishing the round robin in fourth position would have been huge achievement for Parnngurr, and it looked set to happen as they headed into the final innings, leading 11-5.
But it was then the finals-hardened Kiwirrkurra used their experience as they scored six runs to nil and sneaked home for the victory.
Parnngurr's Jimesha Williams took home the most votes to be named player of the carnival.
Ngurra Kujungka receives support for the Western Desert League from major sponsor and founder of the desert sport development program Newcrest Mining, along with the Department of Sport and Recreation, Healthway, Raw Hire, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Shire of East Pilbara.
The Ngurra Kujungka Western Desert League now heads to Parnngurr for round 2, from July 6-9.
