OFA 2023: Boxwood Hill progress to preliminary final after eliminating reigning premiers Gnowangerup in semi

Gnowangerup’s run of premierships is officially over after they were bundled out of this year’s flag race in Sunday’s first semifinal of the Ongerup Football Association. The Bulldogs were out to win a fourth straight league premiership, a feat not achieved in the OFA since Jerramungup in 2008-11, but their season came to an end at the hands of Boxwood Hill. In the elimination first semifinal played at Boxwood, it was the home side who skipped out to an early advantage. With key forward Jack Davis returning to the side for the first time since round eight, Boxwood led by eight points at quarter-time and extended that margin to 14 by the long break. Some wayward kicking on goal in the third quarter (1.6) prevented Boxwood from sealing the result, but they moved 19 points ahead of the Bulldogs. The premiers of the last three seasons dug deep in the final term for one last crack as they kicked 2.4, but two goals at the other end ensured Boxwood got home by 16 points in a tense finish. George Stoney kicked three majors for the winners while captain George Bungey bobbed up with two. Beau Vaux, Hayden Richter, Arran Jones and Harrison Joy were all vital contributors in the 7.13 (55) to 5.9 (39) victory for Boxwood. The Bulldogs were best served by Connor Hawkins, James Dewar, Ethan Caldwell and Marley Phillips but their reign as the top side in the competition came to an end. Skipper Lewis Davis and veteran Damien Stewart each kicked two goals in the losing affair. Boxwood now advance to a preliminary final on Saturday where they will face Newdegate at Jerramungup. The winner will progress to this year’s grand final at Newdegate against Lake Grace-Pingrup on September 2.