Sharks claim home final after Tigerland thriller

Albany claimed a home second-semi final after sewing up top spot when they beat Railways by two points in a top-of-the-table thriller at Tigerland on Sunday.

In absolutely perfect conditions, there was perceived pressure all day with a fumbly, scrappy game saved by a few touches of class from some veterans, and that the margin was never more than two goals in it all day.

Like a couple of prized heavyweight fighters, the two teams were testing each other out all day, both teams kicking two goals apiece in the first quarter.

The Sharks opened up play in the second quarter and benefitted, adding three goals to the Tigers’ one to go into the major break with a seven-point lead.

Railways answered back in the third quarter, but kicked a wasteful 2.5 to set up a thrilling final term with only three points in it.

A super tight last quarter had both teams only kicking one goal, with either side a chance to snatch victory until Albany finally prevailed in a low-scoring tussle 8.6 (54) to 6.16 (52).

Taj Williams and Jayden Zilm finished with two goals each, with captain Tait McLean a tackling machine and intercept king, well assisted by Jack Day and Aiden Clark.

For Railways, vice-captain Kane Shephard and Jayden Scott kicked a brace each, with Toby Hall, Beau Ewen and Bodhi Stubber prominent.

The result means Albany will host Railways at Retravision Stadium in two weeks time, with the winner going direct to the big dance, the GSFL Grand Final to be held at Sounness Park on Saturday, September 2.

On Saturday at Collingwood Park, spectators were treated to a shoot-out as Mount Barker took on North Albany, with the Bulls booting seven majors in the opening quarter.

Another big quarter from Mount Barker had them going into half-time with a 49-point lead, and the game seemingly over.

But to the Kangas credit, they outscored the Bulls in the second half, but it was too little too late as Mount Barker won 19.8 (122) to 13.8 (86).

Sam Lehmann continued his incredible form by kicking six goals, making it 26 goals from six games since he returned to the league side, with Zach Jackson also finishing with six.

Darcy Wallinger was best and is having some season down back, with Brent Parsons also playing well.

North Albany veteran Graham Ross kicked six of his own (the combined ages of Lehmann and Ross of more than 70 years adding 12 goals between them), with Kobi Keen continuing his stellar season alongside stars Nathan Crudeli and Nick Barrow.

At Retravision Stadium, Royals rightfully saluted Ryan Kinnear equalling the games record for the Lions as they beat Denmark-Walpole 20.11 (131) to 2.3 (15).

Adrian Hardy and Nick Ashford kicked four goals each, both players looking dangerous in attack in the past few weeks, as Cameron Allison had the ball on a string and Stevie Edwards showed his poise and talent.

The Magpies were best served by Reagan Hutchinson, Michael Sullivan and Matthew Bondini.

This week in the final home-and-away round, Denmark-Walpole host Railways at McLean Oval, Albany are at home to Mount Barker at Retravision Stadium, and Royals travel down to Collingwood Park to take on North Albany.