UGSFL 2023: Cats claim thrilling first semifinal denying late charge from Eagles to end their title defence

Williams outlasted Boddington in a pulsating final term of the Upper Great Southern Football League first semifinal on Sunday, winning by three points. In a match that went down to the final minute, the Eagles’ premiership defence came to an end with the ball locked inside their attacking 50m arc as the siren sounded at Clayton Road Oval. It ended a physical and absorbing contest as the Cats, who had early control were tested by a determined Eagles outfit in the second half. The Cats led by six points at three-quarter time and when Nathan Pearce snapped his fourth major over his head from close range it appeared his Cats were preliminary final bound. However, hard-working midfielder Matthew White pushed forward and kicked truly to bring the Eagles within three points inside the final minute. The Eagles won the centre clearance and went forward again as they pressed for a match-winner but the ball went out of bounds. It was thrown back in but the defending premiers were beaten by the siren. The Cats survived some nervous moments in the fourth quarter to prevail in a high-quality affair, 16.7 (103) to 15.10 (100), to book their place in this week’s preliminary final against Wickepin. A terrific first half set up the finals win for the Cats, leading by 11 points at quarter-time and then kicking five goals straight in the second term to push the margin out to 18 points. Key target Gerard Medlen worked hard to kick four goals and Pearce was dangerous in the front half with four of his own. Simon Panizza and Kyle Shanahan were outstanding, Nick Panizza was strong in defence and Angus Longmire also had plenty of influence as the Cats kept their season alive. The Eagles were knocked out of the flag race but Ryan Smith enjoyed a brilliant afternoon with five majors and youngster Riley Holden (three goals) was busy in the opening half. Matthew Almenara, Jacob Schorer, Ben Sherry and Troy Egerton-Warburton were strong contributors in a losing affair. The Eagles kicked nine goals to six to mount a second-half challenge but the Cats kept finding the answers when required.