Railways kick clear in reserves thriller

Railways stormed home against North Albany in the reserves preliminary final at Collingwood Park on Sunday, notching a 13-point win to advance to the grand final.

The Kangas have not missed a grand final since 2013, when the Tigers and Mt Barker met in the decider, but were knocked out in straight sets this year.

The Kangas led by 14 points heading into the last quarter before the Tigers booted five goals to one in the final term to win, 11.8 (74) to 9.7 (61).

Doug Roberts and Tom Palfrey both booted two goals and were very good, along with Laurie Dowsett and Taylor Gunn for the Tigers.

The Kangas were best served by Mitch Woods, Luke Ellis and Ned McSweeney.

Royals are into their third straight grand final in the colts after surviving a strong final-quarter challenge from the Tigers in the last quarter.

The Lions took a 28-point advantage into the final change before the Tigers kicked four goals to one but narrowly went down, 8.7 (55) to 7.6 (48).

Poch Amores was outstanding for the victors, while Shane Buss and Ben Watson were also highly influential. Jacob Blight kicked three goals for the Tigers as Joe Alvin and Xavier Brenton-Reed tried hard all day.

The Kangas nearly caused a major boilover in the sixteens against Albany earlier in the day.

A strong first half from the Kangas helped them to a 20-point lead but after losing last week’s second semifinal, the Sharks hit top gear as they kicked five goals to one in the last half, to prevail 6.17 (53) to 6.6 (42).

Max Baker (two goals) and Damien Woods were very good for the Sharks, while Talon Delacey and Lachlan Hansen both starred for the Kangas.