League ladder leaders lock and load

League ladder leaders Railways and Albany flexed their muscles to record big wins whilst Royals pulled a game clear over Mount Barker in third place in Round 11 of the GSFL.

The upset of the year was looming at McLean Oval on Saturday as Denmark-Walpole got off to an impressive start against Albany, doubling their scoring shots and leading at the end of the first quarter.

But the Sharks outscored the Magpies in the following three quarters to record a 15.11 (101) to 3.5 (23) victory.

Vice-captain and leading goalscorer Brett Peake returned after four rounds off, not skipping a beat as he notched three goals to take his tally to 39 after only eight games.

Connor McCandless chipped in with three majors of his own, whilst the in-form Robbie Lee and Bryce Blaszkow continued their strong seasons.

For Denmark-Walpole, club president Tyrone Kennedy maintained his good form, picking up his third best player in a row since re-joining the league side, well supported by Simon Barker and Reagan Hutchinson.

Also on Saturday, in a sometimes spiteful clash, Railways hosted North Albany at Tigerland and the home team were solid throughout, consistently on the offensive for all four quarters.

A 10-goal second-half to one had the Tigers skipping away to a 16.7 (103) to 2.7 (19) win.

Joel Want is finding dangerous form in an ominous sign for the rest of the competition, booting eight goals to only be one behind goalkicking leader Peake.

Craig Frost, Jayden Scott and Bodhi Stubber were all also prominent as Railways look to peak with finals on the horizon.

The Kangas were well led by co-captains Nick Barrow and Regan Lloyd, along with young gun Lucas Ravenhill.

And on Sunday, a dominant first quarter by Royals against Mount Barker at Retravision Stadium set up a big win, 18.18 (126) to 9.10 (64).

The inconsistent Lions were ruthless in the opening term, setting up a 50-point to nil lead with the Bulls only finding their groove in the final quarter when they kicked six of their nine goals.

Jayson ‘Cyril’ Ford was on fire, smashing in six goals with Brandon Elliot (three goals) and Steven Edwards (two) among the best for the Lions.

Best for the Bulls were young star Camball McMahon who finished with three goals, Zach Jackson, who kicked two, and midfielder Daniel Patching.

This Saturday, Mount Barker host Railways at Sounness Park, and on Sunday, North Albany are at home to Denmark-Walpole at Collingwood Park and co-tenants Albany and Royals go to battle at Retravision Stadium.