Royals move further clear in second spot after overcoming stern challenge from gallant North Albany outfit

Reigning premiers Royals shook off a stern challenge from an impressive North Albany outfit to finish 21-point winners at Collingwood Park on Sunday. The win ensured the Lions moved four games clear in second spot on the back of their eighth win of the season against a young Kangas side that is starting to click, according to coach Leigh Hislop. The Kangas led at half-time but were not able to hold on against the class of the back-to-back premiers in round nine as they set up the 13.7 (85) to 9.10 (64) win in the third term. “I think we have had two good weeks and we are starting to play our style of footy,” Hislop said. “The last two weeks has been a good build-up and I think we are starting to see some young players start to gel together and get some belief. “Our four quarter effort was brilliant and we are on the rise.” Hamish McMorran kicked the opening two goals of the game for the Lions before the Kangas kicked the next three, including back-to-back goals to youngster Rhori Williams-Jolley. However, the Lions kicked the last three goals of the term to hold a two-goal advantage at the first change. The margin was pushed out to 17 points early in the second term but the Kangas responded and slotted the next three goals including a third to Williams-Jolley to help his side lead at half-time. Declan McNamara returned for the Lions and got over the back in the opening 30 seconds of the third term to soccer through the first major of the half out of mid-air. David Parker broke clear and streamed inside 50 to hand the visitors two goals in the opening few minutes before debutant Cameron Lazar pushed the margin out to 17 points. The Kangas halted the momentum momentarily through Lachy Hansen but the Lions kicked the last three goals of the term to stretch the margin to just under five goals at the last change. The Lions pushed the margin out beyond five goals early in the final term, putting the game out of reach for the Kangas, who kicked the last two goals of the game. Brayden Parker was everywhere across half-back for Royals and was clearly best on ground with 38 touches and a goal. Cameron Allison (23 disposals and a goal) was solid through the midfield, while David Parker and youngster Ben Altus were impressive. Lazar, Cooper Childs, McMorran and McNamara kicked two goals each. Lions coach Andrew Ruck said it was a tough contest. “I thought it was really good contest and they came out and they were brilliant early and our boys got a swift kick in the backside at half-time,” he said. “We kicked two goals in the first two minutes of the third term and that little bit of class helped. “I think we got on top in the clearances in the third term. Their younger blokes probably just fell away a fraction, they didn’t have that link-up run and a big target up forward. “Brayden (Parker) played his best game of the year, as a young captain, he just led from the front and he’s really developing. Mitch Lenegan was a stand-out for the Kangas, finishing with 24 touches and a goal, while Williams-Jolley kicked three goals and was very good all day. Midfielders Jacob Crowe (22 disposals and a goal) and Nathan Crudeli (26 touches) worked hard. “The margin was less than four goals and I’m very very happy with that performance,” Hislop said. “In the third quarter, they kicked a couple goals early. “They probably had a few free kicks 30-40m out from goal from our discipline and you don’t give them away.”