Beach blitz carnival opponents

Reigning premiers Cable Beach proved they are the team to beat in the West Kimberley Football League this season by retaining their Lightning Carnival crown last Saturday.

Eight teams played shorter fixtures at Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre, with an invitational One Arm Point side taking the place of the withdrawn Broome Bulls.

Beach defeated an impressive Bidyadanga Emus 7.6 (48) to 5.1 (31) in the grand final after both sides had won all three of their group games.

Brad Gardner was best-on-ground for the victors.

WKFL chief executive Sam Alexeeff said the day's action was a fitting precursor to the season.

"It was very exciting to see the teams going hard at it," he said.

"Bidyadanga were fantastic, Saints are looking strong, while Derby pushed Cable Beach hard."

Mr Alexeeff also thanked the umpires for their hard work in the heat.

Cable Beach and Derby will play an inaugural Anzac Day fixture this Saturday at 3pm at Haynes Oval.

The first round of the season takes place the following weekend, with action on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.

A rematch of last season's grand final between Cable Beach and Looma is the clash of the round.