Narrogin Hawks cough up three-quarter-time lead to let important game slip against Wickepin

Narrogin Hawks conceded six goals in the final term of their round five clash in the Upper Great Southern Football League against Wickepin, coughing up a significant three-quarter-time lead in their 10-point loss at Clayton Road Oval on Saturday. A brilliant final term from the Warriors ensured they remained undefeated in the UGSFL season, coming from 23 points down to win the top-of-the-table clash against the Hawks. The win all but secures a top-two finish for the Warriors while the Hawks sit in third spot just one game clear of the fifth and sixth-placed teams. Four goals to one in the third term helped the Hawks open up a 23-point lead going into the final term but the Warriors were up for the challenge booting six goals to one to run out 11.10 (76) to 10.6 (66) winners. All the scoring was done at one end of the oval as the Hawks took a 19-point lead into the first change after kicking four goals to one. The visitors then kicked three goals in the second term to reduce the deficit to three points at the long break. Dean Blackwell was adjudged best-on-ground by the umpires in a losing affair, winning the Think Mental Health Round match ball for his efforts across half-forward and through the middle. Blake Borrett (three goals) and Alistair Smith battled hard while Bradley Timms and Jack Walsh were also named in the best players. Chris Holmes and James Kennedy were the other multiple goal kickers for the Hawks with two each. Rhys Angwin kicked three goals in the Warriors’ fifth straight win while Jayden Schofield, Dion Anthony and Ryan Melvin all slotted two goals. Kodie Fleay worked tirelessly throughout the game while Schofield, Trent O’Brien, Angwin and Luke Crouch were also influential in the victory.