UGSFL 2024: Boddington punish Kukerin-Dumbleyung in last half, fourth win for Williams & Wickepin back in form

An 11-goal second-half avalanche kept Boddington’s perfect record in the 2024 Upper Great Southern Football League competition intact, claiming a huge win on the road against Kukerin-Dumbleyung on Sunday. Momentum swung several times in the opening half between the Eagles and Cougars but a clinical second half from the visitors ensured they remain unbeaten this season – winning comfortably by 77 points. The Eagles led by 30 points at the end of an eventful first quarter but that margin was trimmed by the determined Cougars on the back of their strong midfield work in the second term. Cougars youngster Liam Loveday was yellow carded in the first and then the visitors were struck a big blow with key forward Maxx Della Franca went down on the outer wing. The stretcher was initially called by Della Franca, who was helped from the field with a knee injury. Things got worse for the Eagles soon after when star ball winner Lloyd Padwick received a yellow card after crashing into the back of an opponent. That seemed to spur the Cougars on, as they kicked four goals to three and went into half-time trailing by only 24 points. The Eagles though showed why they are firm premiership favourites in the early part of the season as they strangled their rivals after the long break on the way to a big win, 20.10 (130) to 7.11 (53). The Cougars were goalless in the third term and outscored 11 goals to two in the last half. Despite missing 15 minutes, Padwick booted six goals in another commanding display while Jimi Gillespie showed his class with four majors. Eagles ruckman Riley Smith (two goals) was outstanding and well supported by Ben and Matthew Sherry and Matt Giumelli. The Cougars looked their best in the second term with Justin Joyce and Austin Shotter were winning lots of ball in the midfield and player-coach Jye Depane worked strongly behind the ball. Matt Dare worked tirelessly in the middle while Jonty Robinson, Toby Perrin and Jake Nelson were also strong contributors. In the other Sunday fixture, Williams coasted to a fourth win of the season on the back of a six-goal haul from Nathan Pearce at Matera Oval. Wagin were competitive early at home but the Cats slowly ground them down and piled on eight goals in a dominant final term on their way to a 96-point win. Pearce starred with six while Addison Dew and Gerard Medlen chipped in with four each as the Cats cruised to victory, 20.20 (140) to 6.8 (44). Narrogin were no match for Wickepin in round five at Wickepin on Saturday, the Warriors now one game clear in third spot. Matt Jukes (six goals) and Jethro Duffy (four) combined for 10 goals as the Warriors kicked 20 goals in the 95-point rout. A seven-goal third term put the Hawks to the sword as the Warriors did it with ease in the end, 20.8 (128) to 5.3 (33). Katanning Wanderers hosted Brookton-Pingelly on Saturday and the game was a cracker in the opening half. The Tigers kicked seven goals in a prolific second term to lead by four points at half-time. But the Panthers responded with some magic of their own as they piled on nine majors in the third quarter on their way to a 49-point win. Nicholas Haslam led the way for the Panthers with five goals while Ezekiel Bolton (two goals), Daniel Trevaskis and Jack Walsh impressed in the 22.9 (141) to 14.8 (92) result. Lake Grace-Pingrup forward Jackson Callope played for the Tigers due to his team having a bye and he finished with a bag of eight majors in a brilliant display up front. The UGSFL will now have a bye for the June long weekend and return for round six on June 8 and 9.