Gritty Magpies hit back with win over Bulls

Denmark-Walpole have caused a major upset in round 8 of the Great Southern Football League, breaking through for their first win over an opposition above them on the ladder after holding off Mt Barker by nine points at McLean Park yesterday.

The Magpies led by 14 at half time after a six-goal second term and held off the fast finishing Bulls to win their third game of the season, 11.9 (75) to 10.6 (66).

The win pushed Matt Candy’s men into fourth place on percentage with a defining contest against Railways to come.

Veteran Ryan Gaerth, key big man Shayne Zanetti and midfielder Tyler Stone (four goals) were the Pies best while the Bulls were well served by ruckman Daniel Henderson, youngster Joel Gray and teenage wingman Aidin Williss.

With all three fixtures played on Saturday, the Tigers withstood a strong challenge from Royals to finish 43-point winners at Tigerland.

In a spirited contest, the Lions trailed at every break but mustered a strong fightback in the third term as they reduced the margin to 11 points at one stage.

The visitors kicked five goals and were right back in the match but on the three-quarter-time siren a goal to Tigers’ Ryan Harper pushed the lead back to 18 points.

Lions forward Harry Broomhall slotted his fourth goal on the run to start the final term but it was all the Tigers from there as they kicked the final five goals of the game on their way to a 17.11 (113) to 10.10 (70) victory.

Logan Stubber was terrific for the Tigers along with defensive duo Mitch Green and Bodhi Stubber while Zak Hortin kicked four goals in the first term and Zane Marwick was busy throughout.

The Lions were best served by midfielders Henry Hodge, Cameron Allison and Cent Amores while Broomhall was dangerous all day to also finish with four majors.

Across the road at Centennial Stadium a weakened Albany were no match for North Albany as the defending premiers recorded a comfortable 106-point win.

The Kangas kicked three goals in the first term but put the foot down in the second to open up a 67-point half time lead.

Regan Lloyd kicked six goals for the Kangas and was well supported by Michael Trevenen, Grant Corcoran and Adam Ditchburn in the 18.17 (125) to 3.1 (19) result.

Jack Banks returned from injury for the Sharks but they were without their young brigade as Callum Redshaw, Marcus Mellon and Tait McLean toiled hard in defeat.