OFA 2023: Lions progress to Ongerup Football Association grand final after big win over Boxwood Hill in prelim

Newdegate are into their first grand final since 2016 after thumping rivals Boxwood Hill in the Ongerup Football Association preliminary final on Saturday. The Lions went down narrowly in the second semifinal but a terrific first half ensured they get a chance at premiership glory, setting up a rematch with Lake Grace-Pingrup. In the preliminary final at Jerramungup the Lions finished comfortable 61-point winners to end Boxwood’s season. Five goals in the opening term set the tone for the Lions and they added three more goals in the second while Boxwood broke their drought to finally kick a major. The Lions led by 44 points at half-time and held Boxwood scoreless in the third as they margin ballooned to 77 points. Boxwood fought gallantly in the final quarter to try to restore some respectability on the scoreboard and they kicked the only two majors. However, it was too little, too late as the Lions marched to a big victory 13.10 (88) to 3.9 (27). Arron Russell was the star for the winners with five goals and he was well supported by vice-captain Chris Wollaston (two goals) in the front half. The Lions had outstanding contributions from Tristan Ballard, Jacob Conti, Lachlan Maples and Jarrad Offer as they progressed to the decider in a bid to end a six-year flag drought. Boxwood were left to rue their slow start and despite the best efforts of Beau Vaux, Hayden Richter, captain George Stoney and Bradley Joyce they went down. Jack Davis booted two goals and Rohan Vaux kicked the other major. Jerramungup were 17-point winners in the reserves preliminary final and Gnowangerup edged Lake Grace-Pingrup by six points in the juniors. The OFA grand final will be held at Newdegate on Saturday as Lake Grace-Pingrup tackle the Lions in the league decider at 2.10pm. The Bombers, who lost last year’s grand final, will be out to win their first premiership since 2012.