Saints keep debutant Bulls goalless

As the curtain was raised on a new WKFL women’s season, a new team joined the fray.

The debuting Broome Bulls took on Saints under the Friday night lights at Father McMahon Oval, drawing a large crowd.

From the outset Saints were looking to score early, although defensive efforts by Bulls stalled them until Peta Merrilees broke through to score the first goal of the new season.

Saints’ miserly defence kept the Bulls scoreless at quarter-time.

The ball continued to spend a lot of time in the Saints forward 50 during the second quarter as Abbie Virgo extended her team’s lead with another goal.

As the Bulls started to adopt their own aggressive approach, it seemed futile as Saints’ Merrilees and Virgo scored two additional majors to lead 4.3 (27) to 0.0 (0) at half-time.

After the main break, it seemed the Bulls were more determined than ever to put the pressure on Saints and get some goals on the board.

However, Saints were one step ahead as Merrilees kicked a third goal and continued to dominate the field.

By three-quarter-time, Saints had extended their winning margin to 37 points.

Throughout the final quarter, it seemed the Bulls’ kicking accuracy was an issue as Saints continued to capitalise on turnover after turnover.

As Saints’ Chloe Blauuw and Sophira Buaneye added goals to the tally, among a string of behinds, Saints went on to take the victory 7.11 (53) to 0.0 (0) after the one-sided affair.

Elsewhere, Peninsula Bombers achieved a comfortable win over Bidyadanga Emus 11.11 (77) to 2.0 (12), while the Cable Beach Greenbacks dominated the Looma Lady Eagles 8.8 (56) to 1.1 (7).