GSFL 2025: Railways escape with narrow win over arch rivals Royals as battle for finals spots continues

Railways survived a scare against arch rivals Royals, with the ladder leaders finishing six-point winners at Retravision Stadium on Saturday. The Lions were thumped by 166 points last week but responded in strong fashion to challenge the premiership contenders for the full four quarters. Scores were level at three-quarter-time but the Tigers kicked three goals to two in the final term to escape with a tense 9.9 (63) to 9.3 (57) result. Hayden Parker kicked three crucial goals for the visitors while Hayden Leo, player-coach Bodhi Stubber, Brock Lathbury, Bailin Curtis and Milan Jaggi all had strong influence on the game. The Tigers led at every change but it was far from a comfortable result, as the Lions dominated the third term and were rewarded with four majors to set up an exciting fourth term. Bodhi Stubber paid credit to the opposition but said being tested in games was a positive in the lead-up to finals. “Their effort was pretty good,” he said. “I don’t think we played too bad but we left them in the game for too long. “I said at three-quarter-time this is a really good position to be in (challenged) and it makes the boys realise we are probably not the best team at the moment and need to improve again to be there at the end of the year.” Declan McNamara was prolific in the middle and Hamish McMorran gave a strong target in attack to boot two majors. Fraser Allison and Cameron Lazar also finished with two, while Seb Stanton, Mitch Lenegan and Corey Ward were vital contributors. Lions coach Darrell Panizza was delighted with the strong showing from his side. “We had our chances in the last quarter,” he said. “It was our best game we played all year in terms of how hard it was, how well we stuck at it. “We pushed Railways right to the end but unfortunately fell short.” Lions’ Corey Linthorne received a yellow card in the low-scoring and physical contest.