Unbeaten Royals repel Sharks’ challenge, Tigers edge out Kangas

Royals have stretched their unbeaten streak to four games after withstanding a strong challenge from Albany in round 4 of the Great Southern Women’s Football League on Friday night at Tigerland.

The Lions kicked the only three goals of the first quarter and led by 24 points at half-time as they appeared set to run away with the contest.

However, the Sharks fought back strongly, as goals from Stephanie Grant and Grace Jones helped their side reduce the deficit to 12 points at the final change.

The fourth quarter, however, belonged to the ladder-leaders as they added three more majors on their way to a comfortable 33-point win.

Youngster Ivy Parsons was terrific for the Lions, along with midfielder Abby Duncan and Rachael Goetze (two goals) as they kept their perfect record intact with a 6.9 (45) to 2.0 (12) triumph.

Hayley Williamson won plenty of the ball for Sharks and was well supported by Tammy Cobain, Miriam Ward and Abbigail-Louise Ballard.

Tiarna Delli-Benedetti was the hero for Railways as they continued their impressive season, winning a third game of 2019.

The Tigers beat the Kangas for the second time to cement second place on the ladder with two rounds remaining.

The finish was not as thrilling as their first encounter as the Tigers took a 10-point lead into the final term and kicked two goals to one on their way to a 17-point result.

After trailing by a point at quarter-time, the move to push Delli-Benedetti forward was a crucial one as she kicked two second-quarter goals to give the home side the lead and then added a third in the final stanza.

Kelly Pages, Delli-Benedetti and Madison Dallimore powered the Tigers to a 4.4 (28) to 1.5 (11) victory.

Nardia Humphries was influential through the middle and across half back for the Kangas, while Su-Nami Matsumoto and Jazmin Turner were also busy.