Six brothers and great chemistry have helped St Albans rise to top

Six brothers and team chemistry have helped St Albans rise to the top of the Toowoomba Football Leagues premier men’s division

St Albans keeper Braydan Lobwein tips a shot over the bar during a TFL Premier Men's fixture. Picture: DSL Photography

FOOTBALL: Brotherly bonds are playing a leading role in St Albans success.

Second on goal difference in the Toowoomba Football League Premier Men’s division, the Saints can attribute at least a part of their form to the work of brothers Riley and Braydan Lobwein, Jace and Benjamin Watt and Menphys-Reyne and Mannyx Smith.

“When we’ve got our full squad on the field I reckon we’re almost unstoppable,” Riley Lobwein said.

“There’s a real chemistry in side.

He said the brothers knew how each other played the game.

“Then a few of us like myself, Mannyx (Smith) and Dan (Weber) have played together for a long time as well,” he said.

“We all know each other’s games really well and we play for the team.”

Riley, 20, welcomed Braydan to St Albans at the start of the season and has been impressed by his younger brother’s progress.

Braydan took over the team’s goalkeeping duties after lining up for Hawks in the conference division last season.

Riley Lobwein takes control of the ball during a TFL Premier Men's fixture. Picture: DSL Photography

“It’s great having him in the side,” Riley said.

“We played and watched a lot of footy together as kids. Mum and dad were always driving us to games.

He said his brother was a little nervous at first about stepping up to the top grade team.

“He’s been great for us back there (in goal), he’s really stepped up and is playing well.”

St Albans face Willowburn tonight in a match both sides will be eager to win.

A win for Saints would help them build a four point gap on the Magpies and if other results go their way, they could secure top spot.

“It’s a big game, the biggest of the season so far for us,” Riley said.

“The win would help us build a good four point lead on them.

“They’re a good team and it’s going to take a team effort, front to back, if we want to get the win.”

GAME DAY

Premier Men: Willowburn vs St Albans, 7pm Saturday Commonwealth Oval. Stanthorpe vs Warwick, 5pm Saturday Stanthorpe. Gatton vs Highfields, 7pm Saturday Gatton. Rockville vs West Wanderers, 3pm Captain Cook Reserve.

Premier Women: Willowburn vs West Wanderers, 5pm Saturday Commonwealth Oval. USQ vs Warwick, 5pm Saturday USQ. Hawks vs Gatton, 5pm Saturday Harristown Park. Rockville vs Rockville Rubies, 1pm Sunday Captain Cook Reserve. Chinchilla vs Highfields, 1pm Sunday Chinchilla.