Ladder positions are starting to heat up in the UGSHA senior and junior competitions with finals looming

Every game in the Upper Great Southern Hockey Association is becoming crucial as teams battle to make finals.

The top four is set in the upper school competition, but the top-two race is heating up.

Ag Rangers recorded a thrilling 3-2 win over ladder-leaders Vultures with Tom Kilpatrick, Marcel Corasaniti and Harry Dolan better players in the win while Rohan Annear, Kandra Pense and Connor Logie were gallant in defeat.

Eagles edged closer to top spot with a convincing 8-1 victory over Toucans set up by Fletcher West, Kynan Spencer and Ethan Johnson while Jerry Thorne, Eli Simkins and Kiara Richard served Toucans well.

Collegians secured a finals berth after downing Woodanilling 5-0, with the winners’ best Austin Shotter, Holly Nottle and Ethan Sandwell.

Orson Bairstow, Danielle Evans and Jayden Bolt were among the best for Woodanilling.

In the middle school competition Woodanilling defeated Lions 4-0 as James Shackley, Crawford Bolto and Jonty Bolto starred in the win. Tigers downed Pumas 3-0 in the other fixture.

Stingrays notched a comfortable 4-1 win over Bulldogs in the J11 competition while Brookton downed Devils 3-1 and Dingoes defeated Woodanilling 7-1.

Senior competition was also played across the weekend with many important victories in terms of the finals.

In the men’s A-grade competition Riffs downed Olympics 3-1 with Kyle Angwin, Brock Francis and Mathew Knott important in the win.

All Blacks caused a minor upset over Warriors winning 1-0 after strong games from Toby Nicholas, Liam Sweeney and Ben Broad.

In women’s A-grade, Warriors continued their strong season with a convincing 6-1 win over Williams 6-1 as Chloe Buzza, Nikki Evans and Kira Flynn starred in the win.

In the other fixture All Blacks and Wagin drew 2-2.

Zeta O’Rourke, Rachel Grout and Claire Coffey were better players for All Blacks while Courtney Perkins, Emily Holt and Nicole Ward served Wagin best.

In the men’s B-grade competition Dumbleyung defeated Riffs 6-0, Pingelly downed Olympics 3-2, Williams prevailed 5-1 over All Blacks and Woodanilling finished 10-1 winners over Wagin.

Warriors proved too strong for Brookton in the women’s B-grade competition winning 3-1 while Robins won 2-1 over Pingelly, Wickepin prevailed 6-1 over All Blacks and Wagin defeated Woodanilling 2-0.