Tigers earn stripes in grand final rerun

Derby Tigers exacted some revenge on West Kimberley Football League premiers Cable Beach last Saturday, winning 16.14 (110) to 9.3 (57) in the tie of round eight.

Beach got the better of Derby in the 2012 grand final, and also edged the corresponding fixture on the first day of this season.

However, a commanding second-half performance by the Tigers at Derby Oval resulted in an impressive 53-point victory for the hosts this time round.

The grudge match started at a fast and frenetic pace, with the sides going goal-for-goal in the first half.

At the half-time interval Derby held a slight one-point advantage, leading 4.8 (32) to 5.1 (31).

Despite this, the hosts showed that they will be a major contender for the 2013 crown with an emphatic second-half performance.

A fantastic team effort saw Derby kick 12 goals to Cable Beach’s four in the final 40 minutes, as the home team won the individual match-ups against their opponents.

Former West Coast Eagles star Gerrick Weedon was the standout performer for the victors, while Paul Taylor also put in an inspiring performance.

Adam Hunter kicked five goals for Derby, Clint Matthews added four majors, while Weedon kicked three six-pointers.

Derby president Brett Angwin was understandably delighted with the result.

“It was a really good team effort, and we are happy to get a win over Cable Beach,” he said.

“It doesn’t make up for losing in the grand final last year, but it was a nice feeling.”

Angwin was quick to point out that despite the rivalry between the sides the game was played in good spirit, and the teams had a healthy respect for each other.

Cable Beach president Mick Albert said things wouldn’t get any easier this weekend when the champions face current league leaders Looma.

“Derby is a tough place to go, and this was one of our biggest defeats in quite some time,” he said.

“We can learn a lot from the game, but the result and the fact we were beaten in all areas across the field in the second half was very disappointing.

“Looma are in great form and have a fantastic midfield —we will need to improve next week.”