Bulls keep flag dreams alive

The Derby Tigers’ dreams of putting an end to a premiership drought spanning more than three decades came to a devastating end at the weekend.

The Broome Bulls had an dominant first half and managed to hold in the elimination final on Saturday to keep their flag hopes alive.

Myles Mitchell was quick out of the gates to slot one for the Bulls, in what was to be an impressive first term for them.

Aidan Fraser followed up by booting two, with Clive Djiagween and Tom Money also adding their names to the goal kickers’ list.

It was much of the same at the start of the second quarter, with the Bulls’ Fraser, Kell Stanley and Daniel Dwyer extending the lead out to 49 points.

But a massive screamer by Derby’s Buddy Malay may have been what was needed to get some momentum going for his team, with Rhonen Maher kicking three consecutive goals to reduce the margin to 31 points at half-time.

Fraser came out with another quick goal for the Bulls in the third term, but the remainder of the quarter was much tighter.

Derby took a major blow when ruckman Mick Embley was given a red card, but it did not stop Maher from sneaking in another one.

Maher kept his side within a sniff by kicking another three goals at the start of the final term, to bring his total to seven, but Djiagween would respond with another two to seal the win for the Bulls.

The Tigers are done and dusted for the 2019 season, but the Bulls are hoping this is just the beginning of their campaign.

They will take on the Bidyadanga Emus tomorrow for a spot in this year’s grand final.