Magpies win Sunday thriller over Kangas to move inside the top four

Denmark-Walpole have leapt into the top four after prevailing in a thrilling final couple of minutes at Collingwood Park today, to edge out reigning premiers North Albany by five points.

The Magpies held a 38-point advantage at the final change as the Kangas were staring down the barrel of a third straight home defeat.

The home side quickly began to erase the deficit going with a strong breeze and when dangerous forward Jyrin Woods kicked two goals in a row the margin was back to 20 points.

Two majors from Luke Cameron, a few minutes apart then made things interesting as the Kangas got within seven points.

Nic Barrow took a mark 40m out and kicked on goal as the siren sounded but if drifted left to leave the Kangas short, 10.16 (76) to 12.9 (81).

A goal would have drawn the match but it was the Magpies hard work in the first three quarters that helped them win back-to-back games.

They kicked five goals with the wind in the first and third and booted two majors against it in the second as they led by 15 points at half time.

Ryan Gaerth won the game ball as part of Talk To A Mate Round, a vintage performance from the co-coach around the stoppages.

Tyler Stone overcome a stiff back in the warm-up to be a strong contributor while Kalin Lane, Jayden Pickett (two goals) and Alec Haskins were all superb.

The Kangas slumped to a third straight loss at home, a rare occurrence in the past decade, despite a number of strong inclusions including Matt Orzel, Ray Padfield and Alex Pearce.

Nathan Crudeli was again influential along with Woods who finished with five goals up front and Todd Knuiman was resolute in defence.

Railways marched to their sixth straight win after a 10-goal opening term ensured a 65-point victory over a disappointing Mt Barker at Tigerland yesterday.

The eventual 65-point margin could not push the Tigers above ladder leaders Royals on percentage but resulted in the Bulls slumping to their fifth loss from seven rounds and consecutive thrashings.

The rampant Tigers feasted on the centre square dominance as the Bulls continued to struggle without injured captain Peter Taylor but responded in the second half which reached no great heights.

Forwards Jack Steel and Liam Park each finished with three goals along with midfielder Joel Want who relished the wet and windy conditions.

Ruckman Daniel Henderson played at times a lone hand for the Bulls on a bleak day as the Tigers cruised to the win, 17.5 (107) to 5.12 (42).

On Friday night in the Centennial Stadium derby to open round 7 of the Great Southern Football League, Royals outlasted a brave Albany to maintain their place on top of the ladder.

The Lions were made to work hard for the four points, the Sharks booting five goals in the third term to snatch the advantage heading into the last quarter.

Goals to Taj Williams and Robbie Lee gave the Sharks a seven-point lead at the final change as the momentum of the game had swung in their favour.

However the Lions produced an impressive response when challenged, as their better players led from the front in the fourth stanza to guide them to a 30-point win.

The Lions kicked the only five goals of the last term to secure a hard-fought 12.13 (85) to 8.7 (55) win as Dave Parker, Joel Flick and Jordan Heil were all valuable performers.

Parker received the match ball for his efforts while the game swung back in the Lions favour thanks to the last quarter heroics of Hamish McMorran who booted three goals.

The Sharks were gallant in defeat with Coen Marwick and Taj Williams busy throughout while Dylan Gowdie was superb in defence.