Boxwood book grand final spot, Wollaston spears Lions into prelim

Newdegate will face Lake Grace-Pingrup in this Saturday’s preliminary final after the Lions eliminated Gnowangerup in week one of the Ongerup Football Association finals at the weekend.

In Sunday’s sudden-death first semifinal at Lake Grace, the Lions had kicked eight goals by half-time and led by 13 points.

They were able to hold the Bulldogs to just four behinds in the third quarter as they closed in on victory and then three goals in the final term ensured a 27-point win.

Chris Wollaston proved the difference between the two sides, the power forward booting five majors for the Lions to lead them to victory while David Newman, Harvey Lynch and Harrison Morgan were also superb.

Wollaston was well supported by fellow key target Dean Rintoul, who returned after seven weeks on the sidelines to finish with three goals in the 13.7 (85) to 8.10 (58) win.

The Bulldogs kicked five goals in the second term to fight their way back into the game but they were inaccurate in front of goal after half-time, managing 2.7 in the season-ending defeat.

James Dewar, Keiran Desando and Tyler Caldwell (two goals) were the Bulldogs’ best players.

The Lions progress to the preliminary final and face Lake Grace-Pingrup who went down by 10 points in a tense first semifinal on Saturday in Boxwood Hill.

Lake Grace-Pingrup started strongly in their clash with reigning premiers Boxwood Hill, the visitors leading by 17 points at quarter-time.

Boxwood hit back in the second as five unanswered goals helped them snatch the advantage by half time.

The home side skipped 27 points clear by three-quarter-time as they appeared on their way to a comfortable win.

Lake Grace-Pingrup produced a spirited challenge in the last term however, as they kicked three goals and held Boxwood to only three points.

Boxwood booked their place in the grand final, winning 11.9 (75) to 10.5 (65) with Matt Campbell, Aaron Shields and midfielder Isaac Baum all starring.

Hayden Richter booted three goals and George Bungey chipped in with two.

Ball winner Luke Bairstow led from the front for Lake Grace-Pingrup, he kicked two goals and was outstanding all day.

Regan Smith and Mitch Smith also played well in the loss, as their side will put their season on the line this week.