Top two spot in reach of Railways

Railways’ hopes of a top-two finish in the Great Southern Football League have been increased after a comfortable 73-point victory over Albany and a round of favourable results moving the Tigers within striking distance.

While the Tigers’ win over the Sharks at Tigerland was expected, North Albany’s upset win over Mt Barker leaves a three-way logjam currently fighting for second spot on the ladder.

Only 17 per cent separates the second, third and fourth-placed clubs, with the Tigers still remaining in fourth spot ahead of a crucial contest with the Bulls this Saturday.

Their sixth win from nine games was set up in the first term despite the blustery conditions making life difficult but the home side still piled on six goals to none in the opening term.

The margin was reduced to inside five goals after Jordan Wallam bobbed up to boot the Sharks’ first two goals to start the second term but the Tigers regained the momentum to finish the term the stronger and lead by 51 points at half-time.

Spearhead Coen Marwick booted five of his six-goal haul in the first half and finished with six majors to move within one goal of the top of the leading goal-kicker race.

Brother Zane Marwick and Logan Stubber controlled the midfield for the Tigers despite being beaten in the hit-outs by Sharks duo Stewart Davies and Rick Wallis, while tough midfielders Jack Banks and Michael Simpson toiled hard.

In a pleasing sign for the Tigers, captain Bodhi Stubber returned to the Tigers line-up for the first time since suffering a broken jaw against Mt Barker in round 5 in May.