OFA 2024: Newdegate deliver at home with pace and class to land comfortable win over Lake Grace-Pingrup

Newdegate had lots to celebrate after landing a comfortable win at home over Lake Grace-Pingrup in round three of the Ongerup Football Association on Saturday. The Bombers owned the sky with solid marks and deep kicks into the attacking 50 but the Lions, with quick hands and fast passage, delivered a 37-point win, 12.12 (84) to 7.8 (50). Newdegate kept the footy moving and fired in the first quarter. The Bombers responded with methodical footy but they were unable to match the fevered play of the Lions, who went into the second with a 13-point lead on 3.3 (21). Newdegate built on the swell and added four majors to the board before half-time, while the Bombers rallied with three of their own. However, they struggled to keep up and went into the main break trailing by 19 points. The visitors weren’t out by any means, however, and captain Luke Bairstow proved a crucial and stabilising presence. The Lions extended their lead to 24 points at the end of the third quarter in defiance of the Bombers’ best as they moved the ball around the oval with ease. Consistency was key, and in the last quarter the Bombers were restricted to 2.2 (14) as Newdegate turned the screws to add 4.3 (27) to the board. At the final siren, Newdegate breathed a sigh of relief as 13.9 (87) put them 37 points clear of the visitors on 7.8 (50). Wade Bambling, Will Cook and the dogged Regan Smith were best for the Bombers, while Jacob Conti (three goals), Tristan Ballard, Hamish Medway (two) and Dustin Boyce were crucial for the Lions. In the other OFA game, Boxwood Hill produced a resounding 41-point win over Jerramungup at Boxwood Town Oval, 12.12 (84) to 6.7 (43). After suffering defeat at the hands of Gnowangerup last week, an inspired Boxwood Hill led at every break and made short work of the visitors, who the previous week scored their first win since round nine in 2021. Boxwood were unselfish, with George Bungey (three goals), Jack Davis (three), Hayden Richeter (two), Shane Davy (two), and Rohan Vaux (two) sharing the goals. Richter, Vaux, Davis and Brett Plane were great for the Lions, and Aaron Winters, Wade Brown, Alex Baum and Sean Wisewould were best for Jerramungup.