Advertisement

Sharks win nailbiter

Picture: Peter de Kruijff

The Dampier Sharks have managed to make it two wins in a row by narrowly beating the Karratha Falcons in round 10 of the North Pilbara Football League at Bulgarra Oval.

Sharks were riding on a wave of confidence after knocking off the competition ladder-leaders Port Hedland Rovers in the previous round.

Last time the two sides met in round five, it was Falcons who triumphed over the Sharks in Dampier.

The Sharks looked to be the better side in the opening half and looked dangerous in their forward 50m.

Some booming kicks from Sharks full-forward Eddie Huddleston (four goals) put his side in good stead in the first quarter as the Dampier boys were up 6.4 (40) to 4.1 (25).

Falcons started to find more space in the second quarter and managed to open up the Sharks a few times and get back into the match with the likes of Cameron Ling and Ashley Cooper booting some goals for the home team.

Inaccuracy on the goals did not bode well for the Sharks who were up by a few goals coming into the end of the third quarter before Falcons grabbed two quick goals to bring them within two points 11.4 (70) to 10.12 (72).

It was a nailbiting final quarter with a few score changes taking place as Falcons were able to be up by a handful of points with about 10 minutes on the clock.

However, Sharks player Ryan Atkinson took over the game in the last quarter of the match with precise kicking and a few key possessions to help lift his side to a 12.16 (88) to 12.8 (80) win.

Atkinson played well off Sharks' regular forward Guy Langdon, who moved into the ruck during the match and performed well.

The win moves Sharks up to third spot on the ladder, above the Falcons.

Both teams have been sitting fairly evenly on the ladder for most of the season in third and fourth spots respectively.