Strong final quarter guides Lake Grace-Pingrup to tight preliminary final victory over Newdegate in OFA

An inspired final quarter from Lake Grace-Pingrup helped secure a place in this year’s Ongerup Football Association league grand final.

The Bombers trailed by two points at the final change in the preliminary final against Newdegate but booted five goals in the last term to snatch an 11-point victory and set up a grand final showdown with Gnowangerup.

After finishing second on the ladder and losing to the Bulldogs in the second semifinal, the Bombers started strongly in the preliminary final at Newdegate as they kicked three of the first four goals.

Their 15-point quarter-time lead was reduced to 10 points by half-time as the Lions clawed their way back into the contest.

The Lions kicked the only two goals of the third term and held the visitors to three behinds, to hit the front by three-quarter-time.

However, in a pulsating final quarter the Bombers kicked 5.2 which was enough to get them across the line.

Captain Luke Bairstow was a driving force in the victory, kicking two goals and winning plenty of the ball through the midfield while Corey Ward and Darcy Townsend were also influential.

Youngster Jackson Callope and former AFL player Mitch Morton chipped in with two goals as the Bombers prevailed 8.12 (60) to 7.7 (49).

For the Lions, spearhead Arron Russell booted five goals in a losing affair.

Tristan Ballard, Harvey Lynch and Riley Bridger were all named Lions’ best players but their season came to an end.

The Bombers move into the decider, which will be played at their home ground, and are the only team to have beaten the Bulldogs this season.