Turtles, Crabs share spoils

Hedland's Flatback Turtles AFL masters team took on the might of the Karratha Mudcrabs in an entertaining draw last weekend at Colin Matheson Oval.

With great Hedland crowds and a large number of families coming out to watch the game, the event certainly did not disappoint.

The Mudcrabs started well and seemed to have the ball on a string in the first quarter.

The Turtles, by contrast, appeared to be still working out game tactics and positions so that the Mudcrabs seemed to have three goals on the board before the Turtles even got their hands on the ball.

With some great passages of play, the Mudcrabs soon built a sizeable lead by quarter-time.

However, Turtles coach Mick "Silky" Cullen obviously gave his team a rev-up during the quarter- time break because for the rest of the game, the Turtles were able to continually repel the ball from the Mudcrabs' forward line.

However, after a scintillating first two quarters, play then slowed a fair bit in the second half.

Soon, friendly banter between the sides, including lots of chatter on and off the field, took over as did the recognition AFL masters is all about the fun and having a run.

And despite most onlookers noting a dominant display by the Mudcrabs, the score was miraculously a draw at the end of the day.

It is an incredible outcome when you think of how much footy was played on the day.

It was also great to see so many family and friends and a great community spirit.

And kudos to the Mudcrabs, who travelled well and seemed to enjoy their day too.

With a friendly return game scheduled for early August, it would appear we have started something special with the Muddies, who took the trophy on the day because the Turtles let them.

But the Flatback Turtles cannot let it slide now.

They have a celebrity game against Newman Vets on July 19, with preparations well in place.

If you are interested in playing masters footy, contact hedlandaflmasters@outlook.com.