Emus find their feet against Bulls

It was a West Kimberley Football League One Life Round to remember as Bidyadanga Emus continued their strong form and teams played on an equal footing during the wet conditions.

Players were provided with blue armbands for the round, a WA initiative to improve mental health and prevent suicide.

Bidyadanga Emus continued their winning streak against Broome Bulls, defeating them 61 points to 37.

The match was slightly marred when a punch was thrown early in the second quarter and later when Ishmael Hunter limped from the ground after an accidental knee in the back before being taken to hospital.

The first match of the round was decidedly scrappy, as Cable Beach rolled the Peninsula Bombers despite the absence of captain Jordan King.

The final score of 54 points to 34 disguised a close and physical game.

During the match, Bombers player Pat McCarthy had to be stretchered off the ground and taken to hospital after he was knocked unconscious.

It is understood a report was made against Cable Beach after the match.

New Bombers coach Graeme Hastie, who coached CBFC for six years, said both teams played well and the team had lifted their play, despite low reserves numbers.

“We put in a very good effort — we were down a bit on the bench, but we were playing a very good opponent in Cable Beach,” he said.

“But as far as I was concerned, we walked off with our heads held high.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of our effort and our endeavour.

“Across the board, everyone made an effort and as a team we worked hard for each other.

“We will continue with our structures and our discipline — we gave away two 50m penalties today, so we will work on that.”

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Derby Tigers were overwhelmed by Saints, 83 to 34.

It looked likely to be a close game in the first quarter, with both sides kicking two goals.

But the Saints would eventually win the day.

Looma overcame Towns on Saturday during a muddy confrontation, in which the Eagles triumphed 64 points to 49.

Dermitt Wilson looks to be an early contender for leading goal kicker, bagging another three on the weekend to go with his previous five goals.