Victory in last game of the season for Katanning Wanderers

Katanning Wanderers have broken their drought, hanging on in the dying minutes of their final-round clash with Williams in the Upper Great Southern Football League to record their first triumph of the season at Quartermaine Oval on Sunday.

The Wanderers went into the round seven clash without a win in 2020 but led at every change and prevailed by three points in a thrilling finish.

The home side led by 15 points heading into the last quarter before Bailey Brougham quickly extended that margin to beyond three goals early in the final term.

The undermanned Cats tried to rally in the last quarter and dominated possession having nine scoring shots to two in the but were wayward in front of goal as the Wanderers prevailed, 9.7 (61) to 8.10 (58).

Brougham booted three goals in the win, while Khallon Zilm added two.

Ryan Wintle, Ricky Marris, Mitchell Banks, Tyrone Roe and Reece Nicholson were all named in the Wanderers’ best players.

The Cats were best served by Lewis Schulz, Edward Aitken, and Jaymi Spinner-Mainstone.

Wanderers’ season is now done, while Williams face the undefeated Wickepin in the second semifinal on Saturday.

A seven-goal haul from Luke Crouch helped Wickepin remain undefeated and warm up for the finals with a 98-point win over Wagin on Sunday at Matera Oval.

The Warriors piled on 12 goals in the second half after leading by 34 points at half-time.

The minor premiers booted five goals in the third term before piling on seven unanswered goals in the last quarter to run out 18.10 (118) to 2.4 (16) victors.

Crouch was well supported by Ryan Melvin (four goals), and Jayden Brooks and James Bristow (three).

Jayden Schofield, Tate Barrett and Kodie Fleay were also important in the win.

Daniel Macaulay and Matthew Marinoni kicked the two majors for the Bulldogs and were joined in the best by Paul South, Lachlan Hall and Josh Kirk.

A strong first half from Brookton-Pingelly helped them record their third win of the season on Sunday against Kukerin-Dumbleyung at Nenke Oval.

The Panthers ran out 12.6 (78) to 8.12 (60) winners.

Lloyd Padwick finished his season with six goals to win the leading goal kicker award, while Luke Kirk added four and they were well supported by Jordan Hughes, Callan Eddy and James Spark for the Panthers.

Former WAFL forward Jalen McGee booted four goals for the Cougars and was joined in the best players by Matt Dare, Cody Ditchburn and the three Joyce boys, Peter, Brynn and Justin.

Both the Panthers’ and Cougars’ seasons are now over.