OFA 2023: Newdegate lead at every change but overrun by top team Lake Grace-Pingrup in close second semifinal

Lake Grace-Pingrup are into their second straight grand final in the Ongerup Football Association after downing rivals Newdegate on Saturday. In the second semifinal, the Bombers trailed at every change but a three-goal final term helped them hit the front and claim an important 10-point victory. The Bombers now progress directly into the 2023 decider in a fortnight as they chase redemption following last year’s 20-point defeat at the hands of Gnowangerup. Played in Gnowangerup, it was the Lions who started the brightest, kicking four goals to two in the first term to lead by nine points. That margin grew to 21 points after the Lions added four more majors in the second quarter. The Lions had an impressive return of 8.1 in the first half but the Bombers refused to go away. After finishing the regular season on top of the ladder, the Bombers rallied in the third to kick three unanswered goals and trim the Lions’ lead to a single point by the last break. The Bombers kicked three goals to the Lions’ one in the final stanza, on their way to a 10.10 (70) to 9.6 (60) triumph. Jackson Callope continued his terrific season in front of goals, booting five to lead the way for the Bombers who now move straight into the grand final and enjoy a week off. The Bombers are out to win their first league premiership since 2012, when they won a thriller over Jerramungup. Will Cook, Lewis Garard, Callope and Mitch O’Neill were named in the best players for the winners while Bailey McGlinn chipped in with two majors. The Lions got great contributions from Kim Newman, Clint Westlake, Lachlan Maples and Jacob Conti. Arron Russell and Darcy Thompson were focal points in attack with three goals each. The loss means the Lions will now face Boxwood Hill in a preliminary final.