It wasn’t the scoreboard that pleased spectators when Pilbara Colts defeated South Africa in Karratha, rather it was the infectious enthusiasm from the competing teams that won them over.

The international football match, played in the mining boom-town in WA's north west last Saturday, ended with the home side 80 points in front, 16.13 (109) to 4.5 (29).

But for Colts coach, Richard Coates, his team and the visiting Lions, the scores were irrelevant. For them, it was the opportunity to play the game that has left an indelible mark on both squads and those at the game.

The under-21 Colts, with a majority of Indigenous players in the team, and the open age South African Lions (average age 23) played the curtain-raiser to the Swan Districts-East Fremantle WAFL premiership match.

"Our boys played a very disciplined style of football; they tackled hard, ran for each other and used the ball very well," Coates said.

"The South Africans were very quick and played on and ran the ball at every occasion.

"I didn't even look at the scoreboard and still don't know the final result but the South African boys definitely came to play and it was just a great game of football to watch."

The rarity of the fixture wasn't lost on Coates or his young side. It was the first time a regional team has played footy against South Africa.

"Our boys loved the fact that they were playing an international team," Coates said.

"They know they may never have another opportunity like that again, no matter what level they may play at in the future.

"And the South African boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to play against Australians at our own game."

The game also served as a warm-up match for the South Africans.

They are here for the AFL's International Cup which starts next week.

The Lions are seeded 3rd by the AFL (due to their third placing in the 2008 IC finish) and ranked 8th by WorldFootyNews.com.

Story courtesy of Richard Moncrieff