OFA 2024: Minor premiers Gnowangerup avoid straight sets exit with preliminary final win over Boxwood Hill

Ongerup Football Association minor premiers Gnowangerup avoided a straight sets finals exit after defeating Boxwood Hill by 26 points in a low-scoring preliminary final on Saturday. The Bulldogs were forced to go the long way to the grand final after being defeated by Lake Grace-Pingrup last weekend, but they kept the visitors scoreless in the first and third quarters to book a berth in the decider. The hosts booted three goals in the first quarter before adding another in the third on their way to a tense 5.8 (38) to 2.0 (12) victory. Ben Bungey and Mac Crichton combined for four of the Bulldogs’ five majors, while 2024 Les Ganzer medallist Lewis Davis starred in the clutch victory. WA Country forward Timm House was dominant for the Bulldogs and the dashing Connor Hawkins was also vital. Boxwood were best served by Harrison Joy, Samuel Bertola, Brett Plane and Nic Bertola. Jack Davis and Edward Moir were their only goal-kickers in the season-ending loss. Lake Grace-Pingrup reserves have continued their glorious finals runs after knocking off Boxwood Hill by 48 points to progress through to the decider. Despite finishing fourth on the reserves ladder, Lake Grace-Pingrup have secured consecutive wins, keeping their premiership aspirations alive. Kael Gray finished with three goals for Lake Grace-Pingrup and Jai Holmes and Trenton Medlen each booted two, while Griffin Naisbitt, Ethan Curley and Myles Borgward were all superb in the 10.13 (73) to 4.1 (25) win. Matthew Terry, Evan Kerse, Mark Smith and Jeremy Bailey toiled for Boxwood Hill and Brandon O’Neill booted three goals. In the juniors, a three-goal last quarter helped Jerramungup to a remarkable come-from-behind victory over Gnowangerup. Zac Langdon, Kade Lester and April Langdon were superb for the Eagles while Jobe Rumble, Miller Rumble, Max Filmer and Liam Hobley were outstanding for the Bulldogs.