Eagles soar against Beach
West Kimberley Football League's highly anticipated return went off with a bang last Friday night, as premiers Cable Beach were outgunned by a buoyant Looma Eagles side.
The perennial rivals have met in the past two grand finals, taking one apiece, with the Broome-based side putting the community team to the sword last year.
However, any suggestions competition favourites Beach are set to romp unchallenged to flag retention were dispelled at Haynes Oval, with Looma exacting revenge in their 11.7 (73) to 8.6 (54) win.
The Eagles were missing a number of recognisable faces, including ex-West Coast player Lewis Broome, but their young deputies performed well under pressure.
Lyle Buck played a talismanic role in his side's victory alongside the electric Jefferson Pindan in midfield, while Deromitt Wilson's clinical eye accounted for Cable Beach's scalp.
The stage was set for a dramatic finish as Looma went into three-quarter time with a slender one-point advantage, 7.5 (47) to 7.4 (46).
After both teams kicked majors in the last stanza, a decisive moment saw Beach attacker Severo Corpus skew his lines from close range to let Looma off the hook.
The Eagles went up the other end with purpose, as two quick six-pointers ensured victory and provoked rapturous celebration from their players under lights.
If the Eagles can maintain this level of intensity, they will take some stopping, while the community side can ominously improve further as match fitness levels and missing players return.
For Beach, the defeat will be a reminder they are not infallible.
Nathan Green kicked three goals for the losing side, Sonny Dann provided a constant threat in Beach's attack while Jackson Leach put in an industrious display.
The absence of hamstrung Dylan Pross was felt in the midfield scuffle.
Earlier on Friday night, Peninsula Bombers recorded a hard-fought 11.8 (74) to 6.10 (46) victory over Broome Saints.
The team in black and red improved significantly last season and look fully capable of finishing in the top four in 2015.
Jordan Cox slotted four goals for the victors, with Timothy and David Cox adding two each.
Saints were punished for not taking their opportunities, although commanding figure Joel Handford kicked four majors.
Saturday's action saw Derby Tigers run riot on a sorry Towns outfit, with the visitors winning 9.16 (70) to 3.3 (21).
Buddy Malay top scored for the victors with three majors, but had the Tigers been more ruthless, they could have easily chalked up 100 points.
Finally, Bidyadanga Emus played some fast-paced and exciting football to pile misery on Broome Bulls, winning 18.11 (119) to 6.8 (44).
The victors will be without midfield linchpin Angelo Thomas for a number of weeks because of appendicitis, while former GWS draftee Isiah Stevens was also conspicuous by his absence.
Despite not being able to call on their star duo, Bidyadanga had way too much firepower, pace and vision for their opposition.
The Emus will look to flex their muscles against the top teams this season, with the club's long-term project coming to fruition.
Bulls, on the other hand, will need to dust themselves off quickly or it could be a long year for a team that has lost a number of experienced campaigners in the off-season.
Emus' mettle will be tested as they visit Derby this weekend, while Bulls could well face a Cable Beach backlash.
Saints have the unenviable task of curtailing Looma, while Bombers and Towns will clash.
