Towns beat reigning premiers Brigades in Great Northern Football League women’s semifinal

Towns are through to face Northampton for a shot at the Great Northern Women’s Football League grand final.

The Bulldogs kicked 4.3 (27) to beat Brigades on Sunday in the first semifinal, keeping the Hawks to just 1.2 (8).

Coach Leon Jones said he wasn’t surprised his team had got the result and said growing belief among his players meant they could mix it with the best.

“I let them know they could do it,” he said.

“We know we can play against these better teams now.

“If they know they’ve got it (that ability), they can bring it out on the day. It’s what they expect on the day.

“Against Mooniemaia (Northampton) should be another challenge, but we’re looking forward to facing it.”

Ebony Wheatland was Towns’ best along with Kasey Maynard, Keeley Svenson, Brooklyn Cullen and Aaliyah Jones.

Laila Jones got two of their goals and Samantha Biddiscombe and Svenson got the others.

Olivia Bidwell and younger sister Charli Bidwell also ran well throughout.

Charli, 14, showed bravery and skill against older players and put in solid tackles and work on the ball.

Courtney Zappara kicked Brigades’ goal. Lauren Martin was their best, along with Tenae Leitch. The match was played in front of a crowded bar area and both teams walked off the field to cheers.

Towns will face minor premiers Northampton next Sunday.

The Rams went down to Chapman Valley in a thrilling game, losing by a single point, 5.1 (31) to 4.8 (32).

Towns made fourth spot and the finals after finishing the season with the same points as 2018 premiers Railways, but with better percentage.

They have played two previous first semi-finals but have never made it this far before.

Brigades now regroup for next season after their hopes of defending back-to-back premierships ended.