Kangas leap back to second, Lions regain top spot

North Albany stormed back into the top two with a dominant 48-point win over a disappointing Mt Barker at a wet and muddy Sounness Park in round 14 of the Great Southern Football League this afternoon.

With heavy rain falling throughout the day and the ground already in poor condition, the Kangas made all the early running with three first quarter goals to set up the win.

Grant Freeborough set the game alight with two goals in quick succession as the visitors took a 24 point lead into half time and the Bulls failed to respond in the second half.

Freeborough jailed a third goal early in the third term before Lachy O’Shea made it a 30-point buffer at the final change.

The Kangas kicked three goals from 10 inside 50s in difficult conditions in the final quarter as they ran out winners, 11.6 (72) to 3.6 (24).

The victory not only pushes the Kangas back into the top two but boosts their percentage ahead of a top of the table clash with Royals next week.

Freeborough was superb kicking four of 11 goals for the Kangas while Ray Padfield and Kris Ericson also shone.

Adam Tissott and Daniel Dalby were the better performers for the Bulls, who went in without key playmaker Corey Byrne.

It was an emotional day at McLean Park with the Lions recording a convincing 68-point win over Denmark-Walpole 13.21 (99) to 4.7 (31).

Ryan Gaerth was superb with three goals in losing side while Peter Mark, Jaxon Nottle and Brayden Parker each booted two for the Lions, who shot back to top spot on the ladder.

Both clubs wore black arm bands in tribute to former Magpie Ben Napier.

Meanwhile at Centennial Stadium, where it also poured for much of the afternoon, Railways proved too strong for Albany as they chalked up an 84-point win.

The Tigers led by only 10 points at quarter time but held the Sharks scoreless for the remainder of the game to cruise to victory, 13.16 (94) to 1.4 (10).

Noah Moore and Matt Van Schayk won plenty of the ball for the Tigers while Coen Marwick bagged six majors.

Jack Banks and Etienne Vorster were the Sharks best contributors.