UGSFL 2024: Chris Masten makes special appearance for Panthers in loss, Eagles & Cats hold firm in top two

The influence of West Coast Eagles premiership player Chris Masten was not enough for Brookton-Pingelly to beat Kukerin-Dumbleyung in round 10 of the Upper Great Southern Football League season on Sunday. Masten shared the field and his knowledge of the sport in a one-off game for the Panthers in front of a strong crowd in Pingelly. The club had initially secured former Fremantle Docker Chris Mayne for the game but he withdrew through injury and was replaced by 215-game AFL player. Masten played across half back and through the middle and despite the loss the Panthers players were in high spirits as they lapped up the chance to play alongside a star of the game. The Cougars’ hunger for a win was evident keeping the Panthers goalless in the first quarter and kicking four at the other end, to set up their 39-point triumph. The Panthers hit back in the second term but were wasteful with their chances in the front half and the Cougars held firm in the second half as they prevailed 11.11 (77) to 5.8 (38). The win was a vital one for the Cougars who sit fourth on the ladder in the battle for a finals berth with four rounds left in the regular season. Joshua Lee refused to give up easily and was the Panthers’ only multiple goalkicker but was well supported by Ryley Conlan, Daniel Trevaskis, Craig Farmer, Jacob Sounness, Joshua Hughes and Malachi Bolton. From the visiting side, Coen Marwick was the star with four majors and well supported by ex-WAFL player Justin Joyce (three goals) while Sheldon Taylor, Blake White, Jonty Robinson, Byron Blevin, Austin Shotter and Peter Joyce were all influential. Boddington continued to show why they are premiership fancies with an 81-point blitz against the Katanning Wanderers in Boddington. The Tigers held steady in the first half but a six goal to nil third quarter had them floundering against the Eagles offence and the home side finished big winners in the end, 13.19 (97) to 1.10 (16). Spearhead Lloyd Padwick was on fire, booting a season-high 10 goals in the rout while teammates Harry Cabalzar, Ben and Matthew Sherry, Troy Egerton-Warburton and Blake Reynolds were among the best players. Caleb Quartermaine kicked his side’s only goal before half time and the Tigers had strong performances from Ryan Pontillo, James Laurino, Lachlan Saunders, Reece Nicholson, Tyron Pinney and Caleb Gill. Narrogin strengthen their finals hopes with a dominant 57-point, as they booted 16 goals in the the highest score of the round to easily account for Wagin in Narrogin. The game began in the Bulldogs’ favour, Jake Putland and Nick Menegola showed true skill in the backline ensuring the Hawks booted one goal while their team kicked five at the other end. The Hawks hit back in the second with three goals to one but it was their second half that proved the difference in the 16.13 (109) to 8.4 (52) result. With Noah Criddle-White (four goals), Tom Kilpatrick (three), Cody Heywood (two) and Langford Williams (two) firing in the front half the Hawks kicked 12 goals to two on their way to a fifth win of the season. Damon Penny, Noah Bowen-Zoccoli, Henry Gould, and Jesse Messere played well for the home side. For Bulldogs were best served by Kade Prowse, Nick Menegola, Jake Putland and John Lee while Bronson Harry booted three goals. Williams led throughout in their hard-fought clash with Wickepin, the Cats remaining in second spot as a result. The Warriors were left to rue their inaccuracy, kicking 6.15, including 1.6 in a horror final term. Played at Wickepin, the game swung in momentum in the first half but the Cats kicked four goals to two in a tough second half to win by 19 points. Nathan Pearce was impressive with four goals and teammates Addison Dew, Michael Forman, Samuel West, Nick Panizza, Jonty Petchell and William Schorer played important roles. Flynn Spark and Wade Angwin were terrific for the Warriors and Matt Jukes kicked three majors in the 6.15 (51) to 10.10 (70) loss.