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UGSFL 2024: Wickepin book third grand final in five seasons with gripping prelim final victory over Williams

Harry GrigsonNarrogin Observer
Wickepin are into the UGSFL grand final.
Camera IconWickepin are into the UGSFL grand final. Credit: Daniel Rooney

A fast-starting Wickepin has bundled out 2023 grand finalists Williams in straight sets after a hard-fought victory in a low-scoring preliminary final in Boddington on Sunday.

In a game where goals were hard to come by as blustery conditions made it tough for both sides, the Warriors generated superior looks to emerge 15-point victors and secure a spot in their third Upper Great Southern Football League grand final in five seasons.

The Warriors converted three crucial majors in the first quarter to open up a 15-point gap which proved pivotal in the 6.11 (47) to 4.8 (32) victory.

The Cats began to slowly impose themselves after the first break, holding the Warriors goalless through the second and third quarters, during which the latter squandered several scoring chances, kicking 0.6.

In a thrilling shootout final term, the two sides traded goals before athletic utility Billy Clay floated forward to kick the sealer for the Warriors to give his side a late 16-point buffer.

Clay, Sam Fortini, Fraser Wittwer, Flynn Spark and Jordan Flavel were crucial in the Warriors’ victory, while Kyle Medcalf (two goals) and Ryan Melvin (one) booted crucial majors.

The Warriors were also bolstered by the big inclusion of West Coast WAFL player Kye Barker, who returned to the side for the final after the conclusion of the WAFL season.

The Cats were best served by Riley Cunningham, Nick Panizza, Ollie Kable, Simon Panizza (one goal), Kyle Shanahan and Brady Hill.

Brookton-Pingelly booked a spot in the reserves decider against Williams after defeating Wagin by 13 points in the preliminary final.

Kobe Bennell starred for the Panthers, booting a match-defining five goals to lead his side to a 10.6 (66) to 8.5 (53) win.

Katanning Wanderers’ thirds and fourths side each secured brilliant preliminary finals victories on Sunday to reserve their place in their respective deciders.

The Tigers thirds smashed Boddington 10.8 (68) to 4.1 (25) to emerge 43-point victors and advance through to the big dance against Wagin.

Their fourths side thumped Williams in a 41-point rout to book a grand final stoush with Narrogin.

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