Tigers get up in wet scrap

Railways fought off a strong challenge from Albany in the wet on Saturday, their six-goal second half proving the difference in their round 14 Great Southern Football League clash at Tigerland.

The Sharks were in the contest for long periods and a clever soccer goal from 100-gamer Zac Pearson pulled the margin back to nine points before the home side restored order.

The Tigers held a 13-point advantage at three-quarter time and then kicked the only three goals of the final stanza to run out 33-point winners, 8.9 (57) to 3.6 (24).

Young Tiger Jamon Barrett kicked the opening goal of the game as the home side led by seven points at quarter-time but the Sharks responded as heavy rain fell with Robbie Lee’s goal, the only major of the second giving the visitors a sniff of an upset.

Jayden Scott, classy ball user Craig Frost and Kane Shephard led the way through the middle while Dylan Schorer also had plenty of impact on the game.

Barrett and Kenton Gibbs both finished with two goals in the win while Jacob Ford was the latest colts player to debut for the Tigers.

Tigers coach Troy Leo said the Sharks made sure it was a hard-earned four points.

“I thought the Sharks were pretty good for most of the day,” Leo said.

“We got on top in the last and kicked away but they really came to play and puts lots of pressure on.”

The only concern for the Tigers was a groin injury to forward Zak Hortin.

Pearson became the second player in Sharks history to play 100 league games, and fittingly kicked a goal in his milestone.

The Sharks were well led by Luke Mowaljarlai Sr and Jack Banks, the pair shining lights in defence. Coen Marwick worked hard and was well supported by Bryce Blaszkow and Rick Wallis.

Luke Mowaljarlai Jr made his league debut for Sharks and coach Kim Mayfield was impressed by his team’s defensive effort.

“It was pretty even except for the last quarter,” he said.

“It was a good defensive effort, we just couldn’t manage enough goals ourselves.

“You can’t deny their effort, they boys have been pretty good in the last two weeks and it’s about getting some enjoyment out of the year when you can’t play finals.”