Nail-biting win for Derby

One point was enough to enable Derby to topple competition leaders Cable Beach last Saturday, propelling the Tigers to the top of the ladder – for the first time in years.

The nail-biter broke Broome’s winning streak, which had continued since their WKFL Lightning Carnival victory and marked the Tigers as a second premiership favourite for 2012.

It was neck and neck throughout the first half, but Cable Beach had taken a two-goal advantage by three-quarter time.

In the last quarter, Derby came out firing and, despite the lead changing hands three or four times, the Tigers managed to get in front with just 60 seconds left on the clock and held Cable Beach back.

Derby’s best players included Waylon Gungine, who kicked three goals, Mick Embley, 3, Scott McKenzie, Tim Solomon and Dylan Hurley.

Cable Beach’s best players were Evan Russell, 4, Jordan King, Jordan Cox, Dale Birch and, despite being heavily tagged, Brett Claudius also stood out.

WKFL president Graeme Gordon said Derby had joined Cable Beach as premiership favourites.

“Cable Beach have always had a good side, but Derby have been the big improver – they have recruited well this year,” he said.

“These are clearly the best two sides in the competition this year- ….was this game a prelude to the grand final?

“However, this week, Cable Beach play Bulls and Towns play Derby, so they’ll also be good games.”

Back in Broome, Bulls took a close win from the Peninsula Bombers under Friday night’s lights, 14.9 (93) to 12.4 (76).

Towns 16.12 (108) scored a decisive win against Bidyadanga 7.13 (55), and are third on the ladder.

The Looma Eagles landed in Broome with a vocal and supportive crowd.

The visitors, 9.1 (64) managed a 10-point win against Broome Saints 8.6 (54), but remain seventh on the ladder, only ahead of the Peninsula Bombers.

This Saturday, Cable Beach and the Bulls will play at Nipper Roe Oval at 1pm, with Bidyadanga opposed to Saints at 3pm. At Father McMahon Oval, the Tigers will take on Towns at 1pm, while Looma and the Peninsula Bombers will clash at 3pm.