In windy conditions at Centennial Oval, it was the Kangas who prevailed after surviving a third-quarter comeback from the home side.

Warwick Durack opened the scoring for North Albany but it was to be the only major of the first quarter as Royals’ forward thrusts amounted to nothing.

Some undisciplined acts in Royals’ forward line saw them squander opportunities, but it was an off-the-ball incident that had them seething after the game.

Kangas playing coach Brad Bootsma and Royals youngster Dylan Panizza were involved in an altercation which saw both players leave the ground. Bootsma had blood on his face and didn’t re-emerge until the second term while Panizza was clearly shaken after the clash with his more experienced opponent.

The ensuing melee in Royals’ forward line saw a number of players involved, but there were no reports or send-offs from the incident.

It was Durack again in the second term who got the scoreboard rolling before Bootsma returned to burst through the pack and snap Kangas’ third.

Brett Hall kicked another to see the lead out to 22 points, before Damon McIntyre finally registered the blue-and-whites’ first.

Brad McDonald then stepped up with a double for the Kangas before late goals to captain Trevor Craig and ruckman Kayne Hamilton saw Royals reduce the margin to 17 points at half time.

North Albany looked to be in control early in the third term after a goal to Matt Beaton before Cleve Humphries ignited to give Royals the ascendancy. Humphries broke two tackles to register his first goal before marking strongly and converting his second.

He was on the receiving end of some good work from James McRae to kick his third before Richard Cronin put Royals in front as the home side seemed to be getting the run of play.

McRae often put his body on the line to win the ball in defence, while Brett Colbung and Connor Day also gathered possessions at will.

Royals’ coach Darrell Panizza could sniff victory and urged his troops on at the last break.

Leading by a single point, Royals again went forward early in the last term only to see a miraculous effort from Humphries hit the post.

It proved a pivotal moment, as Grant Corcoran, Hall and Bootsma all goaled after that to see the Kangas home 11.10 (76) to 7.7 (49).

Best for North Albany were Ericsson, Beaton and Ross, while Colbung, McRae and Cronin were Royals’ best.

North Albany now have the luxury of a week off next week and will sit back and watch Royals take on Railways in the Preliminary Final.

- Daniel Wiseman.