Boxwood out to break drought

Boxwood Hill’s hopes of ending a 10-year premiership drought remain alive after they secured their place in this Saturday’s Ongerup Football Association grand final with a 26-point win over Newdegate in the preliminary final.

Needing to win last Saturday’s preliminary final to reach the decider, Boxwood led narrowly for much of the afternoon against the reigning premiers before a five-goal final term put the result beyond doubt.

Boxwood led by 10 points at half- time but their lead was reduced to eight points after the Lions booted three majors in the third term to ensure a tense final stanza at Jerramungup.

But the final quarter belonged to Boxwood as they finished winners, 13.16 (94) to 10.8 (68).

Benno Bertola was superb in the win, along with Noel Keding and Todd Retallack, while experienced pair Michael Swarbrick and Aaron Davis each booted three goals as Boxwood progress to the decider in their attempt to win their first flag since 2007.

Chris Wollaston finished with four majors in attack for the Lions and he received great support from Cameron Coulson, Harvey Lynch and Kalan Hall, but the loss ended their back-to-back premiership hopes.

The OFA grand final will be at Borden this Saturday, with Gnowangerup facing Boxwood at 2.10pm.

The Bulldogs will clash with Jerramungup in the reserves at 11am while the Eagles face Lake Grace-Pingrup in the juniors’ grand final at 12.35pm.