Derby defeat in pearler of a home game

The Broome Pearlers masters’ football squad took on a team made up of inmates from Derby Prison in late July in their second competitive game of the season.

Despite a positive start for the travelling outfit, which was made up of players over the age of 35, the Derby side, named the Lions, ended up triumphant.

The first quarter was an even affair with the Pearlers having the bulk of possession. Pearlers’ president Franklyn Speed provided a target in the forward line, scoring two goals to give the visitors a narrow lead at quarter time.

However, from the second quarter the Lions started to take control of the ball and the game. The prisoners’ side contained some skilful individuals, and the hosts played with flair and enthusiasm.

In the end the Lions recorded a comfortable 29.21 (195) to 7.8 (50) victory.

Speed finished with four goals for the Pearlers as the adjudged team’s best player.

“We were tremendously impressed with the Lions,” Pearlers’ vice-president Duncan Thorn said.

The Pearlers’ next match will be at One Arm Point community on Saturday, August 24.

Anyone interested in playing with the Pearlers can contact Duncan Thorn on 0429 424 934 or John Morris on 0405 616 232.