UGSFL 2023: Wickepin edge out Katanning in one-point thriller while reigning premiers Boddington start well

Wickepin won an opening-round thriller against Katanning Wanderers, 11.7 (73) to 10.12 (72), to start the new Upper Great Southern Football League season on Saturday. Grand finalists last season, Wickepin started their 2023 campaign at home and had to withstand a strong challenge from a Wanderers league side that contained Kade Stewart. Stewart has played seven AFL games with Hawthorn and 34 league games with South Fremantle but spent last season with Curtin University Wesley in the Perth Football League. He has returned home to Katanning and was vital alongside James Laurino as their side kicked four majors in the second term to snatch the lead from the Warriors. The Warriors responded with four majors in the third and took a slender two-point lead into the final change. The visitors tried desperately to get over the line in the last quarter but they ultimately fell one-point short. Kyle Medcalf (three goals), Billy Clay (two) and Ryan Melvin (two) helped the Warriors escape with the narrow win. The Warriors were best served by Kendal Ballard, Joe Dowling, Medcalf, Melvin, Jordan Flavel and new recruit Jirapas Watson. Five goals from Laurence Collard and four to Caleb Keley was not enough to get Wanderers across the line. That pair were joined in the best players by Stewart, Laurino, Liam Hansen and Ryan Pontillo. In the other match played in round one, an inaccurate Boddington overcame Kukerin-Dumbleyung to start their premiership defence. Thrilling winners in last year’s grand final, the Eagles travelled to Stubbs Park on Sunday and produced a solid defensive display. They held the Cougars to one goal for three quarters and three in total as they won by 39 points in the end. Four goals in the third set up the 9.13 (67) to 3.10 (28) victory as Lewis Gillespie booted three majors. Kiattisak Deechaiyaphum, Samuel Cooper, Vaughan Baker, Mitchell Brown, Gillespie and Jacob Schorer were influential for the Eagles. For the home side Josh Harrison, Liam Park and Sheldon Taylor kicked their goals while Byron Blevin, Stockton Cruz-Shotter, Peter Joyce, Blake White, Jack Keast and Coen Marwick all played well. Narrogin, Wagin and Williams all had a bye in the opening round of the season.