Maher boots eight in Tigers’ big win

West Kimberley Football League premierships aren’t won in May, but statements can certainly be made.

And the Derby Tigers may have made one of their own when they annihilated the Broome Bulls by 98 points on their home turf on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides had come off huge opening wins as they entered the second round match-up, but it was all the Tigers from the very first bounce.

The Bulls missed a couple of shots from in front of goal early in the first quarter but Derby were far more on target, with Wesley Bielawksi, Jamahl Bedford, Rhonen Maher and Malcom Jungine all getting on the board.

Kurt Hunter finally slotted the Broome side’s first goal late in the second term, but impressive midfield work and forward accuracy allowed Derby to nail another six to lead by 57 points at half-time.

The Bulls came into the second half more fired up and managed to kick two consecutive goals to keep themselves within a sniff, but another couple of goals by Rhonen Maher, followed by one on the three-quarter-time siren by Jeffrey Maher, allowed Derby to enter the final break with an insurmountable 62-point lead.

And while the Bulls had just two points to show for a sluggish final term, the Tigers continued the fight and finished the day with an easy 20.8 (128) to 4.6 (30) victory.

Maher had eight goals to his name by the final siren in a best-on-ground performance.

Despite the loss, consistent performer Hayden McCleod and Gerrard Ansey impressed for the Bulls. The red-and-white side will play the Bidyadanga Emus in what is expected to be a close encounter this Saturday at the remote community. The Tigers will also have to travel afar, taking on the Looma Eagles at their home ground.