Dann the man for the Hawks as Brigades take six-point thriller over Railways

Brigades won a six-point thriller against Railways at the Red Dust Holdings Recreation Ground, after a bit of individual brilliance late got the Hawks over the line. With the sides even at three-quarter-time, scoring became difficult as neither side was willing to give an inch. Both teams had chances to take the lead but were unable to take full advantage in the latter stages. However, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Hawk Dion Dann found space where there was none near the 50m arc and kicked truly in red time to give his side the 8.9 (57) to 7.9 (51) win. Brigades’ standout performers included some of their young stars, with Lucas Ronan and Reid Foot showing poise beyond their years. Meanwhile, Jamie Ryder was influential up forward, kicking four goals to help his side to victory, while Hayden Johnson was a threat in the ruck all day. For the Blues, skipper Jesse Adamini tried hard all day in the midfield, while Drew Tunbridge, Nathan Tubby and Elliot Delaney performed well down back. The contest was heated from the first siren with both sides coming into the game with winning momentum. It was Ryder who broke the early deadlock, snapping through his first for the day to give the Hawks the early lead. Foot followed suit shortly after to extend the lead before the Blues fought back, kicking three majors in a row to lead by nine points early in the second term. The Blues controlled most of the play in the second term but Cory Foot’s men were well disciplined, refusing to let Railways take advantage. Just three points separated the two sides heading into the second half and it was Ryder who would take the game by the scruff of the neck to get the advantage. The veteran kicked three goals in the third term to turn the game in his side’s favour. However, the Blues refused to shy away, kicking back-to-back goals to level the scores at three-quarter-time. The pressure continued in the final term, with tensions high for both teams who were desperate to take home the four points. Riley Jupp put the Hawks in front before Shaedan Edwards kicked his third of the day to put level the scores. As the game went into red time it was Dann who had the final say, kicking the eventual sealer for Brigades. Meanwhile, Chapman Valley proved too strong at home for Rovers, taking a 73-point win. Rovers put up a fight early but in a five-goal to one second term the Royals pulled away for the 17.10 (112) to 6.3 (39) win. At Purcher International Oval, an 11-goal haul from Trent Simpson helped Northampton to a 119-point victory over Mullewa. The Rams had 12 individual goal kickers as they took the 26.14 (170) to 7.9 (51) win over the Saints. The women’s competition saw just one game played this week as Chapman Valley continued to dominate with a 13.6 (84) to 1.4 (10) win over the Rovers, with Tayah Palmer bagging five goals. In the reserves, Chapman Valley flexed their muscles against Rovers, keeping them scoreless to win by 111 points, while the Hawks took a 15-point win over Railways.