Slick Tigers halt Royals’ late charge

Another strong final quarter from Railways has helped them overcome a spirited Royals outfit by 43 points in round eight of the Great Southern Football League competition at Tigerland on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers kicked six goals to two in the first term, four of them coming from full-forward Zak Hortin, before they extended their advantage to 31 points by half-time.

The visitors, however, got themselves right back into the contest with a terrific third term, led by midfielders Henry Hodge and new recruit Cameron Allison.

Twice the Lions got within two goals of the Tigers but a mark and goal from Tigers’ Ryan Harper on the three-quarter-time siren pushed the deficit back to 18 points.

Lions forward Harry Broomhall slotted his fourth goal on the run to start the final term but it was all the Tigers from there as they kicked the final five goals of the game on their way to a 17.11 (113) to 10.10 (70) victory.

Dylan Schorer kicked two goals in the last along with Kenton Gibbs, who had an enthralling battle with the returning Rory Callaghan, but again it was the Tigers’ ability to run a game out strongly that led to their seventh win of the season.

Tigers player-coach Craig Frost, who was on the sidelines with a back complaint, said it was another pleasing performance.

“We had a really good start kicking six goals,” Frost said.

“In the last quarter we were good when we needed to respond.”

Logan Stubber produced a strong four-quarter performance playing more as a midfielder while defensive duo Mitch Green and Bodhi Stubber also had plenty of influence.

Kleemann medallist Zane Marwick was busy throughout and small forward Doug Roberts bobbed up with three important majors.

Hodge and Allison were terrific around the stoppages for the Lions while Cent Amores also won plenty of the ball.

Broomhall was a constant threat in attack to finish with four goals and debutant Poch Amores kicked a memorable goal in the third term to cap an impressive call-up.

Lions coach James McRae said the performance was another encouraging one.

“We took another big step forward,” he said.

“It was disappointing things blew out in the final term but we were within two goals early in the last and coming.

“I think we are still without at least eight of our first 22 and we are not far off.”