OFA 2024: Jackson Callope kicks Lake Grace-Pingrup back onto winners’ list, Gnowangerup win three on the trot

A Jackson Callope-inspired Lake Grace-Pingrup bounced back from their grand final rematch loss to Newdegate last week with a commanding 32-point win over Boxwood Hill in Lake Grace on Saturday. Last year’s Ongerup Football Association leading goalkicker Callope bagged six majors in his side’s 14.7 (91) to 8.11 (59) victory, taking his tally to 10 for the year. The hosts dominated early with a seven-goal blitz in the opener taking a 30-point advantage to the first change, which proved the difference between the two sides. The visitors hit back in the second quarter with three majors to cut the deficit to 17 points at the long break before Lake Grace-Pingrup extended their lead back out to 23 points heading into the final change. Boxwood Hill were made to rue missed opportunities in the last, booting 1.3 while at the other end their opponents were on target, converting three straight goals to blow the game back out. Wade Bambling and Harris Regan booted two goals each as the home side’s other main avenues to goal. Braden Retallack was the visitors only multiple goal scorer with two majors. Gnowangerup remains the only undefeated side this season after they thrashed Jerramungup by 89 points. Bulldogs recruit Connor Smallwood continued his sparkling run of form with another four majors, while Lewis Davies (three), Mac Crichton and Damien Stewart (both two) were all dangerous forward of centre. Ben Bungey and Connor Hawkins were also outstanding for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs booted five goals in the opener, while restricting the hosts to just one goal before kicking another five to take a 50-point lead into the second half. The visitors really poured on the pain in the third adding another seven goals to their tally while keeping the Eagles goalless, setting up an emphatic 18.19 (127) to 5.8 (38) win. Clinton Pocock and Caleb Keley each kicked three goals for the Eagles, while Alex Baum and Wade Brown were among their best.