Gnowangerup through to another grand final

Gnowangerup have progressed to this year’s Ongerup Football Association league grand final after beating Boxwood Hill in Saturday’s second semifinal, strengthening their claims for a second premiership in three seasons.

After winning the league premiership in 2015, the Bulldogs went down to Newdegate in last year’s grand final in their bid for consecutive flags.

In Saturday’s second semifinal at Gnowangerup, the home side started brilliantly, kicking 11 goals in the first half to set up their 35-point win.

Trailing by 43 points at half-time, Boxwood produced a much better second half as they booted five goals to three, with Ashton Hood, Beau Vaux and gun midfielder Isaac Baum (two goals) all influential.

However, the Bulldogs were too strong, with Stanley Long-Turner finishing with three goals.

Teammates Zane Bolton, Tyler Caldwell and Brenton Addis were all vital contributors in the 14.10 (94) to 9.5 (59) triumph.

Michael Swarbrick kicked three majors for Boxwood, who face the task of winning this Saturday’s preliminary final to reach the grand final, where the Bulldogs await.

On Sunday in Lake Grace, the Lions set up a preliminary final blockbuster with Boxwood after they prevailed in a tight first semifinal against Jerramungup.

The Eagles led at quarter-time and trailed an inaccurate Lions outfit by a point at half-time, but they were able to get the upper hand in the second half.

Jarrad Offer, Chris Wollaston and Scott Par all finished with two goals each, with Kalan Hall, Darcy Thompson and David Newman playing strong roles in the 23-point win. The Eagles were well served by Kalan and Brent Bailey, Lucas Schuts and Jayden Brooks (two goals) but they went down 9.5 (59) to 10.22 (82).

Boxwood now face the Lions in this Saturday’s preliminary final at Jerramungup, with a spot in the decider up for grabs.