Bulls women into grand final

The Harvey Bulls women’s team has become the first in its club history to make a grand final, after defeating South Bunbury by three points in the preliminary final at the Collie Recreation Ground on Sunday.

A dominant first half set up the win for the Bulls, who could not kick a score after half-time in their 5.0 (30) to 4.3 (27) victory.

It was a tense start to the game but the Bulls eventually found their feet, with Larissa Versaci, Fleur Parker and Rebecca Fry working hard opposite South Bunbury’s Katie Grieve and Maddy Obal.

It looked as if the Bulls would run away with the game in the second term, when the likes of Courtney Bayliss and Matilda Tinker (two goals) started to have an impact on the scoreboard.

After half-time the Tigers began to fight back, with Grieve using her exceptional run to break the lines and send the Tigers forward.

A clever goal from Tiffany Bernhardt stunned the Bulls, who were on the defensive for the rest of the half.

Bethany Bond was moved into the ruck for the Tigers and began to control the middle of the ground, while Casey Webb (two goals) provided a good target up forward.

With minutes to go in the game the Tigers pushed for another goal, but strong marks in defence by Michelle Mullens and Shelby Atherton kept South Bunbury at bay, giving the Bulls the win.

The Harvey Bulls will now play Bunbury in this Sunday’s inaugural SWFL women’s grand final at Hands Oval.