North Albany record vital win in finals bid while Denmark-Walpole knock off reigning premiers

North Albany recorded an important win in their bid to play finals in the Great Southern Football League Women’s competition, defeating Albany in round five on Saturday evening. The Kangas finished 12-point winners over the Sharks at Retravision Stadium as part of a rare Saturday double-header. Their second win of the season ensured they moved a game and percentage clear in fourth place. Two third term goals was the catalyst for the Kangas’ 3.3 (21) to 1.3 (9) victory. The Kangas booted the only major of the first half, as their seven-point advantage at the first change was cut to five at the main break. However the third quarter proved decisive in the context of the result as the Kangas kicked two goals to one to stretch their advantage to 13 points heading into the last quarter. Stephanie Grant booted the Sharks’ major in the third term but they weren’t able to claw their way back in the final term, the home side’s one behind the only score of the quarter. Kirstie Cooper was vital in the win kicking two goals while Anita Onions, Lilly Briscoe, Lily Minter and Laura Archer (one goal) were also among the Kangas best. Nicole Santos, Samantha Waltho, Poppy Rooke and Kellie Bond battled hard for the Sharks, who fell to their fourth loss of the season. In the second game at Retravision Stadium, Denmark-Walpole handed reigning premiers Royals their first defeat of the season. The Magpies booted a goal in each of the first two quarters to lead by nine points at the main break. The Lions responded booting the only major of the third but the Magpies defended desperately in the final term to prevail, 2.1 (13) to 1.3 (9). Ashleigh Needs kicked both goals for the Magpies and was joined in the best players by Erika Tharratt, Brittany Finigan, Amber Nekel and Sophie Coates in their fourth win of the season. The Lions suffered their first defeat despite the efforts of Letisha Alexander, Taylah Burt, Rachael Goetze and Stephanie Francis. Meanwhile in the sole fixture on Friday night, Railways proved far too strong for Mt Barker as they finished emphatic 65-point winners at Tigerland. Kanisha Bennell, Renae Walker and Laura Cinanni all booted two goals in the 10.14 (74) to 1.3 (9) victory. The Tigers kicked four goals to one in the first term to lead by 19 points before three unanswered majors in the second stretched the margin to 40 by half time. Three straight majors in the second half guided the Tigers to their fourth win as Evie Brenton-Reed and Kathryn Slattery joined Cinanni and Bennell in the best contributors. Georgia Kowald tried her best for the Bulls along with Stacey Bond, Sophie Richard and Kaitlin Eades, but they remain winless.