GSFLW 2024: Royals bounce back in emphatic style, Albany make it two from two while third game postponed

Royals returned to their clinical best in round two of Great Southern Football League Women’s competition on Friday while Albany made it two from two to start the year. The reigning premiers rebounded from a first-round loss returning to their devastating best after thumping a scoreless North Albany by 35 points at Collingwood Park on Friday. The Lions were sound in defence while pounding on the pain going forward with their two-pronged attack spearheaded by captain Gracie Gibson. The skipper’s game-high three goals and Megan Green (two) were all too much for the Kangas’ defence as they steamed to a 5.5 (35) to nil victory. Sisters Nardia and Narelle Humphries dominated through the engine room while Lilly Briscoe and Elizabeth Alderson were also key contributors to the Lions’ dominant display. Pippa Wilson, Mabel Markey, Bella Camins and Anita Onions were strong four quarter contributors for the Kangas. The Sharks kept Railways scoreless in the first half on their way to a 5.5 (35) to 3.0 (18) victory at Collingwood Park to firm their position at the top of the ladder. Amarlie Weinert was mercurial in front of goal with two goals while former Swan Districts player Jeanette Gordon, Kate Jones and Samantha Waltho each kicked one. Taiah Curtis, Emma Walker, Hayley Williamson and Sian Lucas were pivotal in their triumph, particularly in the first half where the game was won. The Sharks led by 21 points at half-time before a two-goal-to-one third quarter extended their lead to 29 points heading into the final change. A resilient Tigers sparked a comeback in the final quarter by kicking two goals and keeping their opponents scoreless but ultimately went down by 17 points. Tigers’ Ksharna Coyne kicked two majors and Amy Kennedy slotted one while Demi Mortimer, Tiarna Delli-Benedetti and Krystal Prunster toiled hard in defeat. Mt Barker’s fixture with Denmark-Walpole at Sounness Park on Friday was postponed after fears circulating smoke from nearby fires made an unsafe playing environment. The game has been rescheduled for 6.45pm on Monday, February 26.