Eagles stretch Wanderers

Katanning’s premiership defence continues to roll, avoiding a major upset to the hands of Boddington, after their second semifinal match win in Williams on Sunday.

Despite the 2018 Upper Great Southern’s leading goal kicker Braden Crosby hitting the scoreboard almost immediately for the Tigers, it was Boddington who took control of the game early — holding a 5.4 (34) to 3.2 (20) lead at quarter time.

Leo Graham medallist Kade Stewart lifted his side in the second term — kicking three unanswered goals throughout the quarter, bringing the scoreboard back in favour of the reigning premiers.

Katanning led by less than a goal at the main break — 6.7 (43) to 5.8 (38).

Boddington replied with a goal early in the third to take back the lead, however six unanswered goals to Katanning blew the margin out to 34 points.

Momentum then swung again in favour for the Eagles, as they strung together four goals in a row, reducing their deficit back to 13 points.

An important late third-quarter goal to Laurence Collard stretched Katanning’s lead out to 19 points heading into the final break.

Zac Austin hit the scoreboard immediately for Boddington, again bringing the match to within 13 points.

However Josh Bootsma sneaked a kick through the big sticks after a pack-marking contest, sparking a string of five unanswered goals in the fourth term to seal the victory.

The final score was 18.12 (120) to 10.15 (75).

Stewart was best-on-ground for Katanning, finishing with six goals, Collard finished with four, while Bootsma and Tim Fitzgerald finished with three.

Harrison Ellis kicked three goals, while Alek Oliver and Richard Watts were named best afield for the Eagles.

Boddington will face Williams this weekend in Brookton.

The two last met in round 13 in Williams, where the Cats caused a seven-point upset over the Eagles in their only loss against a side other than Katanning for 2018.