OFA Round 15: Big second half helps Boxwood sink Lions, Mitch Morton returns for Bombers on eve of the finals

Boxwood Hill came from behind at three-quarter-time to pinch a six-point win over Newdegate in the final round of the regular season in the Ongerup Football Association on Saturday. The two sides will meet in this Sunday’s elimination first semi-final but it was a cracking pre-finals league encounter that took place in Newdegate in round 15. Scores were level at quarter-time before the Lions got the upper hand in the second term, kicking five goals to three. Boxwood got back into the contest in the third term with five goals of their own, reducing the deficit to five points by the final change. In a thrilling final quarter, Boxwood kicked four goals to storm home and record their sixth win of the season, 14.8 (92) to 12.14 (86). Jack Davis was the star for the winners with seven goals, while Shane Davy was another strong target in attack with three. Nic Bertola, George Bungey and Davis were all terrific contributors for Boxwood. The Lions were well served by captain Dean Rintoul and Harvey Lynch, while star forward Arron Russell booted seven goals in a losing affair. In the other league fixture, Lake Grace-Pingrup ran out 97-point winners over Jerramungup in Jerramungup. The Bombers led by only 17 points at quarter-time before extending that buffer to 49 points, holding the Eagles scoreless in the second term. Eight goals in the third stanza all but ended the contest and the Bombers cruised to a 21.20 (146) to 7.7 (49) triumph. AFL premiership player Mitch Morton played his first league game of the season and booted five goals, while Tyson Prater (five goals) and Bodhi Clifton (four) were also important. Star midfielder Luke Bairstow and Bailey McGlinn won plenty of the ball for the visitors. The Eagles were best served by Wade Brown, Jayden Brooks, Michael Lester and Shane Edmonds (three goals).