Pearler of a match with Meatworks

The penultimate round of Broome soccer fixtures threw up a number of tense clashes, with it all to play for in the final game in both the men and women’s competitions.

In the men’s competition, top two Pearlers and Meatworks went head-to-head, with the latter recording a hard-fought 4-3 win.

Pearlers started the evening on top of the table by two points, but the result propelled the reigning champions Meatworks to the summit.

In an end-to-end first half both sides had chances to take the lead, with Meatworks striking first through a deflected Dann Rigg effort, but Sean Minouge equalised for his side shortly after.

Meatworks strike pairing Ray Meinsma and Wiley Scott combined to great effect before the break, with the latter netting a well-taken double to have the eventual winners 3-1 up at the interval.

Despite Pearlers pulling one back when the action resumed, Shehab Abdulla’s goal on the counter attack restored Meatworks’ lead, with the champions holding on towards the end with a dogged defensive display to record three invaluable points.

In the other clash, Broome City and Racing Guantanamo played out an even 1-1 draw, with the latter still pinned to the bottom of the table.

Raph Michael was influential in the City midfield, scoring his side’s goal, while Leo Pioli’s strike for Racing ensured the spoils were shared.

In the women’s competition, leaders Guantanamo had a late-season wobble to give Meatworks a chance of overtaking them on the final day.

In the early game Meatworks put Pearlers to the sword, winning 4-1 in a commanding display. Sarah Dobson and Melena Cole-Manolis were the standouts for the victors, while Nakaya Matsumoto fought valiantly for the defeated side.

Guantanamo slipped up to allow Meatworks back into the title race, with the table toppers losing 5-1 to a rejuvenated Broome City.

Sophie Moore scored a brace in a best on ground performance for City, while Rosie Portbury netted a consolation for Racing.

The grand finals in both competitions are scheduled for next Wednesday.