GNFL wrap Round 7: Brigades and Railways play out top of the table thriller, with Blues emerging victorious

The top two clash between Railways and Brigades lived up to the hype, coming down to the wire with the Blues winning a four-point thriller. It was billed as a mouth-watering contest and the result saw Railways clinch a well-fought victory, 15.6 (96) to Brigades 14.8 (92) on Saturday at the Recreation Ground. The game could have gone either way with the teams taking it in turns to lead after each break. The final quarter provided end-to-end entertainment for the packed ground. Jayden Schofield showed strong form early on, scoring the first major of the afternoon for Brigades from 25m out. The former Railways player showed exactly why he is in contention for the league’s top scorer. Blake Messina responded with a sneaky goal to put Railways level after five minutes. Players from both sides sized each other up early on with an intense and entertaining start. Graeme Sandy took Brigades to two goals with an energetic charge through the Railways’ defenders. Jayden Schofield and Jesse Adamini kept both sides even during the first quarter, each scoring goals and setting up important offensive plays. Brigades’ veteran spearhead Dale Williamson again showed why he is up with the leading goal scorers, putting a calm goal away just before the break. This ensured Brigades took the early lead 4.3 (27) to Railways 3.0 (18). The second term saw the Hawks take control. While both teams showed skill and tenacity across the oval, Brigades were the stronger of the top two. Williamson and Kym Schofield got them off to a great start, scoring with the breeze to their backs. Railways made a late push with Ryan Le Tessier scoring from a tight angle and Jack Cocking shaking off the defence with a scrappy major just before the half-time break. Railways went into half time as leaders 9.1 (55) to 8.4 (52). Brigades came out flying for the third quarter, with Kris Ryder on the scoreboard seconds after the siren. Continued pressure saw the Hawks back in front going into the final term 12.8 (80) 11.1 (67). Blake Messina scored a scorcher from 50m out to start Railways’ comeback in the final term. Peter Kimberley made something out of nothing to add to Railways’ tally. Brigades certainly did not sit back with Jamie Ryder proving his worth with a well-placed goal with minutes left to play. Le Tessier and Adamini sealed it for the Blues, with well placed and composed goals. Cementing top place, Railways showed the rest of the league exactly what they are up against. Goals from Brigades came from Williamson who added five to his tally, while Jayden Scofield bagged three and Kris Ryder nabbed two. Railways’ top scorers were Adamini with four, Jack Cocking with three and Le Tessier with two. Brigades coach Cory Foot was far from disheartened with the result, describing the battle as a “great game”, and remaining optimistic for the rest of the season. “‘We are feeling good, we learnt a lot about ourselves, we are positive. Railways are a good side, we know we have to keep improving to match them,” he said. Round 8 sees Brigades take on Rovers at the GBSC Sports Park and Railways have some rest with a bye week. Other matches at the Rec Ground saw Railways colts victorious 90-20 over Brigades, while in the reserves the Blues were also clear winners against the Hawks, 42-26. The women’s game saw Brigades take the honours, narrowly beating Railways 34-26. Meanwhile at Greenough Oval, Rovers defeated Towns 13.9 (87) to 7.12 (54) . Gabriel Parfitt, Jamie Geier, Glen Prosser, Jacob Troy and Jy Thurstun stood out in their sides 33-point win. In the other game of the round, Northampton claimed an 81-54 victory over Chapman Valley at Purcher International Oval. Ex-Geelong premiership great Harry Taylor starred for the Rams, kicking six goals for the match. While Aaron Thomas bagged five goals in his side’s 27-point loss. Mullewa had a bye for round seven.