Impressive Williams jump to top spot after handing Katanning first loss of UGSFL season

Reigning premiers Williams handed Katanning their first loss of the 2021 Upper Great Southern Football League season on Sunday. The previously undefeated Wanderers were in red-hot form heading into the round six clash with the Cats in Williams. The Cats flexed their muscles on their home deck to run out 26-point winners and jump into top spot. After trailing by two points at the first change the Cats slotted four goals in the second term to take a 13-point advantage into the main break. Three goals from the visitors helped them trim the deficit back to seven points at three-quarter-time but three unanswered goals in the final term secured the 11.11 (77) to 7.9 (51) result for the Cats. Former Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis was instrumental in the win along with Simon Panizza (three goals) while Brett Lavender, Nick Panizza, Cameron Stedman and Riley Cunningham were strong contributors. The Wanderers were best served by captain James Laurino and star Kade Stewart (two) while Khallon Zilm, Codie Mills-Durack and Deklan Georgy also played well. Brookton-Pingelly bounced back from their first defeat of the season last week to prevail in a thrilling contest over Kukerin-Dumbleyung in Pingelly. After leading by a goal at quarter-time the Panthers piled on three goals to one in the second term to open up a 19-point buffer at half-time. The Cougars hit back to trail by only nine points at the final break but the Panthers clung on to win by three points in an epic finish, 9.6 (60) to 9.3 (57). Jack Blechynden and Lloyd Padwick kicked three goals each in the win and they were well supported by Ethan Smart, Luke Kirk, Bradley Slater and Callan Eddy. Eric Botha and Robert Forrest slotted three each for the Cougars while Mitch O’Neill, Nathan Phillips and Justin Joyce were among their better players. A 10-goal first half helped Wickepin record their first win of the season after holding off Boddington by 22 points in Wickepin. Campbell Hunter (three), Jethro Duffy (three), Ryan Melvin (two), Nic Chidgzey and Trent O’Brien were the best for the Warriors in the 16.12 (108) to 13.8 (86) win. Curtis Hansen and Harry Ellis combined for nine majors as the Eagles won the second half but their side couldn’t get over the home side. A dominant seven-goal opening term set up Wagin’s second straight win of the season after running out emphatic 70-point winners over Narrogin in Narrogin. The Bulldogs led by 42 points at the first change and never looked back, running out winners 22.19 (151) to 13.3 (81). Alex Michelon kicked five goals in the win and Brodie Bates added four while Kyle Hamersley (two) was also vital. Jordan Heil and Ricky Henry kicked four goals each for the Hawks