04/09/2026
The enthusiasm for football at the top of WA was highlighted recently with two of the three teams competing in the West Kimberley Cup travelling a combined 1100km for the inaugural tournament in Broome.
Derby to Broome is a 440km round trip, while the team from Fitzroy Crossing racked up 660km. Yet distance was no barrier as both gave the host side a real run for their money at Cable Beach Primary School.
The first game saw Broome face Derby. And it was the visitors who got the game off to a flier with a goal in the first minute thanks to Owen Burns’ devastating finish. Celebrations were short-lived, however, as Broome levelled through Billy Vongspasith after a neat flick-on at the near post.
Derby’s aerial strength caused Broome problems and when Lorenzo Simmonetti rose to head in his side’s second, an upset was on the cards. Broome rallied, and some neat passing in the box saw Patty Dawson make it 2-2 before half-time.
As the second half wore on and fatigue set in among the Derby players, Broome were able to take control of the midfield. Unfortunately for the home side, they spurned two golden opportunities to win it late on, and Derby’s valiant display earned them a share of the points.
Next was the first-ever meeting between Fitzroy Crossing and Broome and this also started with a bang. This time it was Broome who struck first courtesy of an own goal. But Fitzroy remained composed and their positive play was rewarded when left winger Pavan got them on terms.
In an open game, Broome retook the lead as Patty Van Praet beat two players before slamming the ball home, only for Fitzroy to hit back again as Bah’s pace proved too much for the Broome defence. An entertaining half ended 2-2.
A raft of changes at the break was the difference with Broome pushing forward with more energy. Van Praet delivered another stunning strike, before veteran Craig Olejnik saved the best for last as he smashed a first-time scissor kick into the net to seal the result.
Broome claimed the win 4-2 but there was no denying they were pushed all the way by a slick Fitzroy outfit.
As players gathered afterwards to celebrate a fantastic occasion, the main topic was when the next series of fixtures could be arranged.
A huge thank you to the volunteers from Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Broome who supported Football West to help make the games happen.
- Mike Doyle
