By Michael Roberts | posted on August 20, 2020
NORTH Albany have proved the fight for this year’s GSFL premiership isn’t just a two-horse race after a huge upset win over Railways at Tigerland on Sunday.
Heading into Round 6, Railways sat two games clear of North Albany in second position and were looking the most likely challenger to dethrone defending champs Royals.
But the Kangaroos have well and truly thrown their hat in the ring as contenders in 2020, with a stunning last quarter effort handing them a crucial 21-point away win.
The game was evenly poised at three quarter time when Railways led by a single point, but the home side ran out of steam in the final term as North Albany piled on five goals to one.
Rain poured down at Tigerland during the preceding reserves and colts games, but luckily held out for much of the league contest.
It was still very wet and muddy under foot, however, and scoring was hard to come by in the first term.
Heading into quarter time Railways led by a solitary goal, but soon found themselves behind as North Albany kicked the first two goals of the second term.
In their Round 1 clash, Railways dominated a youthful North Albany in contested ball.
But this time around, a fierce Kangaroos outfit weren’t budging an inch.
High-prized Railways recruit Harrison Miles, who has struggled to get out on the park in 2020, limped from the field with another injury midway through the second term.
Down a man on the bench, Railways showed some much-needed grit towards the end of the second half.
Goals from young gun Coen Jackman and lively small forward Jack Steel edged the Tigers ahead at the main break.
Neither team were able to register a major in the third term, with North Albany (0.6) wasteful in front of goal.
But the away side found their radar in the last quarter, kicking 5.1 to Railways’ 2.1 as the Kangaroos ran out 9.10 (64) to 6.7 (43) winners.
Talon Delacey was a class above the rest for North Albany in the midfield, while Mitch Green was best afield across half back for Railways.
Over the road at Centennial Stadium, Albany Sharks were putting together some of their best footy this year in a gutsy performance against Denmark-Walpole.
The Magpies only led by eight points at half time, with Shark’s group of youngsters showing a lot of fight in the midfield battle.
Albany wasn’t able to sustain their pressure for four quarters though as Denmark-Walpole showed their experience in the second half to finish 43-point victors.
The Magpies wasted a heap of chances in front of goal, finishing the day with 12.24 (96).
The Saturday clash between Mount Barker and Royals at Sounness Park was looking like a close contest at half-time, with the Lions leading by just six points.
But the reigning premiers put their foot down after the main break as Jayson Ford (four goals), Ryan Kinnear (three goals) and Lorcan McNamara proved they had too much class for the home side.
The 17.10 (112) to 6.12 (48) victory is Royals’ sixth win on the trot as they sit undefeated on top of the GSFL League ladder.
