UGSFL 2025: Williams strengthen finals chances, Narrogin make it 11 straight and Wagin win second game of year

Williams outlasted Katanning Wanderers in a wet and muddy encounter on Sunday, the Cats moving inside the top four and boosting their finals chances after a gripping 19-point win. A low-scoring affair played out in Williams in winter conditions for round 12 of the Upper Great Southern Football League. The Cats strengthened their finals hopes after a 19-point win against the Tigers, leaving just four points separating the third placed Boddington to the sixth placed Kukerin-Dumbleyung with two rounds to play. Despite kicking against the wind, the Cats managed a two-point lead in the first term and kept control of the play, but under the conditions goals were scarce. As both sides battled the weather a constant back and forth ensued but the Tigers struggled to gain composure and remained scoreless, while the Cats kicked 2.5 from plenty of chances to hold a 12-point buffer. The Tigers hit back in third quarter, kicking two majors to the Cats one as they trimmed the margin to seven points and set up an exciting final term. The game opened up in the final term but the home side booted four goals to record a vital win, 8.14 (62) to 6.7 (43). Simon Panizza was outstanding for the Cats, kicking two goals and dominating the midfield battle, while Michael Cowcher also kicked three important majors. The Cats also had strong contributions from Nick Panizza, Luca Gangemi, Jackson Ryan, Stevie Smith and Bradley Jetta. The Tigers were brave in defeat, but managed only two goals in the opening half. Harry Harris and Joshua McMahon booted two goals each while James Laurino, Caleb Keley, Toby Quartermaine, Zane Sutherland and Thomas Hamon were the stand-outs. Ladder leaders Narrogin prevailed by 18 points over Kukerin-Dumbleyung at Nenke Oval on Sunday. The Hawks kicked the only two goals of the first term and stayed ahead despite a four-goal third quarter from the home side. Just two majors were kicked in the last stanza but the Hawks made it 11 wins in a row, 8.11 (59) to 6.5 (41). Kadence Flanagan was the visitors only multiple goal scorer while teammates Tom Kilpatrick, Byron Blevin, Damon Penny, Jordan Heil, Noah Bowen-Zoccoli and Fraser Goode all played well. The Cougars were best served by Jonty Robinson, Will Liston, Matt Dare, Stockton Cruz Shotter, Jye Depane and Konnah Holmes. Wickepin heaped more pain on reigning premiers Boddington, running out 47-point winners in Wickepin on Sunday. Three goals in the second and third quarters in trying conditions lifted the Warriors to their 10th win of the season, 9.10 (64) to 2.5 (17). Spearhead Kayle Kirby finished with two majors for the home side and was well supported by Justin Morisey (two goals), Flynn Spark, David Roche, Fraser Wittwer, Miles Franklin and Carter Wilson. The Eagles best players were Jarrod Salmeri, Matt Giumelli, Matthew Sherry, Tyler Germain and Dylan Kirk. In the sole Saturday game Wagin notched their second win of the season, beating Brookton-Pingelly by 26 points at Matera Oval. The Bulldogs had a red-hot start with six goals to one on their home deck. Kym Monteath starred with five goals while Alex Mancini kicked his first two majors in five years of playing with the club, as the Bulldogs celebrated the 10.8 (68) to 6.6 (42) triumph. Nicholas McMahon, Matthew Thomas, Monteath, Jackson Manuel, Nick Menegola and Max Mumme were superb for the winners. The Panthers were best served by Joshua Hughes, Liam Beacom, Finn O’Reilly (three goals), Shannon Fernando, Daniel Trevaskis and Henry Blechynden.