Warriors fast start helps secure upset victory against Wanderers in final round of regular season

Katanning Wanderers slipped to a second straight loss at the weekend ahead of their second semifinal showdown with Williams in the Upper Great Southern Football League this Saturday. The Wanderers were less than convincing against Wickepin in the final round of the regular season on Sunday, losing by 25 points, 14.10 (94) to 11.3 (69). After finishing second on the ladder, the Wanderers will now clash with minor premiers Williams at Stubbs Park in Dumbleyung for a berth in the grand final. Missing a couple of regular forwards, Wanderers found goals hard to kick against the Warriors, who ran all day and had plenty of avenues to goal. The Warriors started well and then finished strongly. Rhys Angwin kicked the first goal just 20 seconds in, and despite two goals from Kade Stewart at the other end, the Warriors led by 15 points at quarter-time. Ricky Cary gave first use to the Melvin brothers, Royce and Ryan, in the second term and Campbell Hunter kicked goals to ensure their side held a 17-point half-time buffer. Stewart had four to his name at the main break and set up Tyrone Roe’s first major, with a long kick allowing Roe to run into an open goal. The Wanderers hit back in the third, kicking five goals to two as they snatched the lead late in the quarter, but a goal to Jethro Duffy on the verge of three-quarter-time levelled the scores. The Warriors finished full of running, kicking five goals to one in the fourth quarter on their way to an upset win. Royce and Ryan Melvin were terrific for the winners, along with Matthew Jukes and Sam Fortini. Ricky Marris continued his strong form in defence for Wanderers, Liam Hansen made a welcome return, Codie Mills-Durack played well in midfield, and Reece Nicholson never gave up on his wing.