GNFL Round 7 Wrap: Railways Brigades thriller and Harry Taylor’s return headline the weekend of footy

It was an action packed weekend in round seven of the GNFL as Railways and Brigades faced off in a top-of-the-table clash while Harry Taylor returned for Northampton, kicking six goals.

The top two clash lived up to the hype, going down to the wire, with the Blues winning a four-point thriller.

The result saw Railways clinch a well-fought victory, 15.6 (96) to Brigades 14.8 (92) on Saturday at the Recreation Ground.

Jayden Schofield showed strong form early on, scoring the first major of the afternoon for Brigades from 25m out.

Blake Messina responded with a sneaky goal to put Railways level after five minutes.

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 goalscorers, putting a goal away just before the break.

This ensured Brigades took the early lead 4.3 (27) to Railways 3.0 (18).

Williamson and Kym Schofield got the Brigades off to a great start in the second term, 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 goals.

Cementing top spot, Railways showed the rest of the league exactly what they are up against.

Williamson added five to his tally, while Scofield bagged three and Kris Ryder nabbed two for Brigades.

Railways’ top scorers were Adamini with four, 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,” he said. “Railways are a good side, we know we have to keep improving to match them.”

Round eight sees Brigades take on Rovers at the GBSC Sports Park and Railways have some rest with a bye week.

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 side’s 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.