Royals and Albany winners in Thursday double header, Mt Barker on the board after home victory

A strong opening half guided Mt Barker to their first win of the 2023 Great Southern Football League Women’s season on Friday night.

The Bulls hosted North Albany in round three and two goals from the home side were pivotal in their five-point triumph.

An early goal had the Bulls four points in front at quarter-time and their advantage grew to 11 points by the long break after kicking a second and holding the Kangas to only one behind in the second term.

The Kangas fought back well after half-time and scores were level after a Nicole Boland major in the third quarter.

However the Bulls were determined to open their account this season and they booted the only goal of the fourth stanza on their way to a 3.3 (21) to 1.10 (16) win.

Joanne Porteous, Kaitlin Eades, Mikayla Balloch and Chloe Semple were outstanding for the home side.

Eades kicked a vital goal while Talia Coyne also hit the scoreboard for the Bulls.

The Kangas were left to rue wayward kicking on goal, especially in the third term.

The visitors dominated the third but returned 1.5 for their efforts.

Co-captain Laura Archer led from the front for the Kangas while Lucy Barnett, Kyla King and Laura Nelson were also impressive.

On Thursday night in the double-header at Retravision Stadium, Royals and Albany both had victories.

The Lions produced a ruthless display, holding Denmark-Walpole scoreless in a 28-point rout.

Gracie Gibson kicked two majors and was well supported by Georgina Lilford and Shailyn Isaac as the Lions finished 4.4 (28) to 0 winners.

Krystal Prunster and Shennolah Kungah-Gibson were also among the Lions’ best in their third win from as many games.

The Magpies were best served by Emma Henderson, Ashlee Kerr, Sophie Coates and Megan Ross.

The Sharks caused an early upset as they shocked the reigning premiers Railways, winning by 17 points.

Both sides had a goal each at three-quarter-time and the margin was only two points but the Sharks went into another gear in the final term.

Two final-quarter goals were enough to down the Tigers 3.6 (24) to 1.1 (7).

Emma Walker, Abbey Ballard, Sian Lucas and Marlee Ashton played vital roles for the winners, while Alethea Ball, Taiah Curtis and Stephanie Grant kicked majors.

The Tigers suffered their first loss of the season despite the best efforts of Ruby Bradbury, Ksharna Coyne, Abby Duncan and Laura Cinanni.