UGSFL 2024: Eagles respond in strong fashion, Cougars come from behind in final term and Hawks hold firm

Boddington responded to their first loss of the season in emphatic fashion, thumping Williams by 58 points in the top-of-the-table clash in the Upper Great Southern Football League on Sunday. The Eagles were shock losers in round seven but they quickly got back on the winners list, taking care of the Cats with a strong opening half at Williams. With star midfielder Zak Pretty and key forward Harry Ellis playing their first game in Eagles colours this season, the visitors piled on seven goals to three to lead by 32 points at half-time. Ellis and goal-kicking gun Lloyd Padwick formed a strong combination in the front half as the Eagles caught the home side napping in the first term. The Cats tried to fight back in the second but again the midfield dominance of Riley Smith, Harry Cabalzar, Matt White and Ben Sherry had the Eagles well in control. The margin ballooned to 59 points by the last change and the Cats narrowly won the final term kicking 3.4 but it was all too late. Padwick was sensational with six majors and Ellis, who has been playing for South Mandurah, booted four in his return. Smith was again superb in the middle and around the ground while drifting forward to kick two majors. Cabalzar, Jimi Gillespie, Callum Giles-Morton, Jordan Hughes and Ben Sherry were vital for the Eagles in the 16.17 (113) to 8.7 (55) victory. Kyle Shanahan tried gallantly to wrestle back control in the midfield for the Cats and Cam Stedman provided plenty of drive. Gerard Medlen kicked two majors while Jake Thompson, Jonty Petchell, Nic Fry and Addison Dew who all finished with one major were also busy. Kukerin-Dumbleyung scored a vital win over Wagin in the battle for a top four spot on Sunday. The Bulldogs led by three points at three-quarter-time at Matera Oval but the Cougars booted three unanswered goals in the final term to snatch a 19-point result. Coen Marwick proved the difference with six majors while Braden Crosby chipped in with three as the Cougars prevailed 14.12 (96) to 12.5 (77). Narrogin scored a critical win on the road, beating Brookton-Pingelly by 10 points at Brookton on Sunday. The Hawks kicked 10 goals in the last half as they ran away with the contest, 13.6 (84) to 10.14 (74), with Noah Criddle-White and Henry Gould both kicking three majors. Meanwhile in the other round eight fixture on Sunday, Wickepin were far too strong for Katanning Wanderers in Wickepin. The Warriors held the Tigers to four goals for the match on their way to a 60-point triumph. Kyle Medcalf starred with five majors as his side cruised to a 13.10 (88) to 4.4 (28) result.