UGSFL 2023: Narrogin’s second-quarter siege downs Williams on their way to reserves premiership glory

A blistering second quarter from Narrogin helped them secure premiership glory in the Upper Great Southern Football League reserves grand final at Matera Oval on Sunday. Williams outscored the Hawks in every other quarter but the damage was done in the second term. The Hawks booted five goals to one in the second, on their way to a 7.6 (48) to 5.5 (35) flag victory. The first quarter was evenly poised but Louis Payne drew first blood when he launched a long bomb to open the Cats’ account. Hawks player-coach Ralph Kickett booted his first to cut their quarter-time margin to only two points. The next 20 minutes would spell doom for the Cats. With a strong wind advantage, the Hawks piled pressure on the Cats and put them to the sword. Warren Thorne and Ralph Kickett added two each and Kyle Kickett booted one. Connor McNamara scored the Cats only goal for the quarter on the stroke of half time to keep his side within touching distance. The Hawks managed only one goal for the remaining half but held on for a memorable 13-point win, making amends for their heartbreaking grand final defeat last year. Hawks midfielder Malachi Bolton was instrumental in his sides victory and was named best on ground to claim the Greg O’Neill Medal. Ralph Kicket booted a game-high three goals and Thorne kicked two while Kyle Kickett and Elijah Kickett each added one. Isaiah Randel Jetta-Bolton, Heath Turner-Reid, Liam Todt and Joharnan Bolton were all key contributors in the Hawks win, Todt being recognised with an award from South Fremantle Football Club for his efforts. McNamara and Payne were the only multiple goal kickers for the Cats with two each.