GNFL: Brigades and Railways put on a show in game of the round

What was tipped as the match of the round did not disappoint, with Brigades and Railways putting on a nailbiting show on Sunday afternoon at the Rec.

The Brigades put up a good fight throughout against the 2018 premiers , but inaccurate goal kicking proved to be their downfall.

Railways also needed work on their accuracy, finishing up 10.10 (70) to 6.14 (50). The Blues’ first goal was booted across the ground and over the line from less than a metre by their best on ground, Mitchell Boyle, in the third minute, while the Hawks were slower to start with Dale Williamson landing their first in the third quarter.

Scores were even at the end of the third quarter, 6.6 (42) to 5.12 (42), and it almost looked like the Hawks could get ahead.

But despite their renewed energy in the second half and keeping the pressure on even when all hope was lost, there were a few missed contests that ultimately cost them the game.

Brigades senior coach Cory Foot said their kicking into the forward line had let them down.

“All four quarters we brought that tackling pressure and had a really good tackle count which then created opportunities on the turnovers,” he said.

“Unfortunately it was probably just that last touch at the end when we didn’t nail the goals that we probably should have.

“We’ll be working on skills and goal kicking, I think it’s that simple. Our pressure was outstanding, I think our backline held up.”

Kim Schofield was best on ground for Brigades, with Jesse Cassetton, Hayden Johnson, Graham Sandy — who returned after being taken off in the second quarter with an ankle injury — and Drew McGreggor also strong performers.

For the Blues, Jarrod Garlett, Riley Zimmermann, Noah Cachard and James Huggins were stand-outs.

Railways senior coach Karl Pirrottina said it was a tough game for his side but keeping a good structure helped them resurge in the fourth quarter.

“They’re a really good side and they had a really good third quarter...we had a real challenge at three quarter time and the boys stood up and we finished the game really well, so I’m pleased with that,” he said.

“We had around about 60 tackles today so I think the pressure was really good, we fell away from a few things in the third quarter but I guess we found a lot of space, we kept to our structures really well.

“The turn overs we produced from then turned into a few goals for us as well so I think just our pressure around the ground was really good for us.”