OFA 2023: Lake Grace-Pingrup move two games clear, Newdegate clinch finals birth

The Ongerup Football Association returned to action on Saturday after a general bye for the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championship.

Lake Grace-Pingrup continued from where they left off before the break, recording a convincing 37-point win against a spirited Jerramungup.

The Bombers kept the Eagles to one goal in the first half helping set up a 10.8 (68) to 4.7 (31) win at Jerramungup.

The Eagles trailed by 32 points at the main break before a strong third quarter helped them cut the deficit to 24 points heading into the final term.

A three-goal final quarter by the visitors put any chance of a comeback to bed.

Bombers spearhead Jackson Callope led the way with a game-high four goals to take his season tally to 32 while Mitchell O’Neill also added two of his own.

Konnah Holmes, Luke Bairstow (one goal) and Samuel Bertola were all key contributors for the Bombers.

Alex Baum (two goals) was the Eagles’ only multiple goal-kicker while Harrison Brown, Brendan Lee, Jayden Brooks and Thomas Sounness all battled hard.

The Bombers are now two games clear at the top of the ladder over Boxwood Hill who have a game in hand.

In the other league game, Newdegate clinched a finals birth after defeating Gnowangerup by nine points.

The Bulldogs were left to rue the result after inaccuracy in front of the goal, which led to a 11.7 (73) to 9.10 (64) defeat at home.

Arron Russell was the Lions’ main avenue to goal, booting three majors while Ian Lloyd and Dale Ness added two each.

Dylan Brookes, Rupert Jackson, Jeffrey Fitzpatrick and Riley Bridger all kicked one each.

Bulldogs speedster James Dewar (one goal) continued his season’s impressive form while Zach Walsh (three), Quillan Pritchard and Charlie Kelsall (one) were superb for the home side.