GNFLW Round 9 wrap: Chapman Valley lose their first game while Railways survive scare

Chapman Valley suffered their first loss in the GNFLW season going down to Towns 3.5 (23) to 1.0 (6) opening up the race for the minor premiership. Having started the game with seven straight wins and a percentage of over 500 the Royals were put away in the third quarter conceding their biggest score all year. After the first quarter resulted in just two behinds for Towns, Lucinda Rose opened the account for the Royals in what turned out to be the only scoring shot for Chapman. The Bulldogs held a three-point lead at the half before stretching their advantage to 3.5 (23) 1.0 (6) in the third quarter. Ava Gould, Kasey Maynard and Keeley Svenson were the goal kickers as no further scores were added in the final quarter to see the Bulldogs upset the league leaders by 17 points. It moves Towns into second on the ladder four points behind Chapman Valley who still boast a superior percentage. At Mullewa, Railways overcame a spirited Saints outfit to run out eventual 4.7 (31) to 1.6 (12) winners. Mullewa jumped out of the blocks to lead 1.3 (9) to zero after the first quarter before Railways responded to take a one point lead into the half. Both teams traded behinds in the third as the Saints managed to take a one point lead of their own into the final term with hopes of a huge upset. But Railways finally showed their class with Maddsion Kelly finishing with two goals with good support from Jasmine Johansen to secure a 19-point win. Up in Northampton the Rams put a disappointing Brigades outfit to the sword with a resounding 7.14 (56) to 0.1 (1) win. Brigades got their only score in the first quarter as Rams were led by Hannah Trusso with five goals. The win puts Rams into fourth place on the ladder. Towns face Brigades next week while Railways play Rams with Chapman Valley having the bye.