Hawks flag hopes still alive

The Narrogin Hawks secured an important win over Brookton/Pingelly in the wet, keeping the chances of playing finals footy in their own hands.

A 10.7 (67) to 5.5 (35) victory over the Panthers last Sunday means the Hawks can secure a spot in the top four for season 2018 — if they win this Saturday’s blockbuster match against Wickepin.

The Panthers started strong against the home side, kicking the first two goals of the match inmiserable conditions.

The visitors could not capitalise on their encouraging start, with Narrogin’s Ralph Kickett and Darcy Boyle kicking three goals each while the Hawks were rarely challenged after the first term.

Jordan Heil, Tom Bomford and Sachin Barr led the Hawks,constantly finding themselves at the bottom of stoppages and gaining valuable metres on a ground that was soaked even before play began.

Wickepin will now have to defeat Narrogin at home on Saturday to keep their aspirations of playing finals footy alive, after splitting the the points with Williams at the weekend.

In what looked to be an upset, Bryan Hardin and Simon Panizza scored a goal each midway through the fourth term for the Cats to level the scoreboard at full time —Williams 8.6 (54) to Wickepin’s 7.12 (54).

Wagin pulled off a huge fourth-quarter to secure their first win of the season over Kukerin/Dumbleyung. The Bulldogs were trailing by five goals at three quarter-time but kicked seven unanswered goals in the final term to set up their 11.8 (74) to 9.10 (64) victory.

And Katanning have become clear premiership favourites, easily overcoming second-placed Boddington in their top-of-the-table clash, 12.13 (85) to 5.7 (37).

Kade Stewart kicked the first two goals of the match to set up the Tigers’ 11th straight win.