Broome teams valiant at country week

Three Broome youth sports sides travelled to the country week tournament in Perth at the start of this month, with all proving competitive against Statewide regional opposition.

Broome Senior High School sent a boys soccer and girls netball team to the competition in the State capital for the first time in its history.

The boys soccer team ended up in fifth place in the C-grade division, while the girls netball team narrowly missed out on the grand final and ended up in fourth place in the D-grade division.

The soccer team lost three of their group stage games by the odd goal, going down 2-1 against Cape Naturaliste and Eaton College, and 1-0 to Esperance. They were also beaten 4-1 by a seasoned North Albany outfit, who were the eventual winners of the grand final.

The boys beat Northam 2-0 in the group stage, before overcoming the same opposition 3-0 in the finals to end the tournament on a high and secure fifth place.

The netball girls impressed in their group match-ups, winning five of their seven fixtures. Victories over Collie, WACOA Harvey, Karratha, Katanning and Tom Price set the scene, while the Broome side were unlucky to be beaten in games against Ocean Forest LC and Dalyellup.

The Broome outfit played Karratha in the final stages and were narrowly beaten in the second encounter between the sides.

Andy Chapman, who oversaw both teams’ preparations, said the tournament was very beneficial for the students.

“It was a thoroughly worthwhile experience and a great trip,” he said.

“Both teams were very competitive and represented Broome in a fantastic way both in the competition and with their behaviour over the week.

“We want more teams to take part again next year, and have already started to pencil in some of the details.”

A Broome combined schools football team also competed in the C-grade division at country week.

The squad was comprised of students between 15 and 17 years old and the side were in the reckoning for glory after a strong start to the week.

The Broome side were too good for Halls Head, Australind, Narrogin High School and Northam, displaying some exciting showings of attacking football.

The Kimberley outfit were unlucky to be beaten narrowly by Narrogin Agricultural College in the group stage and faced the same opponent in the grand final.

Unfortunately the Broome team lost by two goals, but were commended by all for their play.

Brayden Hackett, Jack Pascoe, Brent Gore and Lucas Achee were praised for their efforts throughout the match.