UGSFL 2025: Williams too strong at home to score first win, Boddington and Wickepin thump rivals again

West Australian

13-05-2025

A determined Williams produced a slick start on the way to their first win of the
2025 Upper Great Southern Football League competition
, downing Kukerin-Dumbleyung by 28 points on Sunday
In round three of the new season, the Cats booted five goals in the first and third quarters to ensure they rebounded from losses to Wagin and Narrogin in the opening fortnight.
Bradley Jetta kicked the first goal of the game at Williams, one of four majors in his first game for the club, while Jackson Ryan also booted four in the 15.7 (97) to 9.15 (69) win.
The Cats had three on the board within the first 10 minutes, including one from veteran Simon Panizza.
The Cougars were immediately on the back foot, losing Konnah Holmes to a blood nose and trailing by 26 points at quarter-time as they were fired up by assistant coach Nathan Ditchburn at the break.
Ruckman Mack Byron gave the Cougars the perfect start in the second term with a tap to teammates who set up an easy goal.
However they would be the only joy as the visitors could only manage six more behinds and the home side kicked three more majors to stretch the buffer to 34 points at half-time.
The Cats piled on another five majors in the third quarter as the game became out of reach for the visitors.
The Cougars fought back well in the last term as the Cats tired. The visitors booted four goals to two but the damage had been done.
Jetta, Kyle Shanahan, Josh Cowcher, Cameron Hillman and Nick Panizza were terrific for the winners while Michael Cowcher and Simon Panizza kicked two goals each.
Peter Gioulis and Will Liston each kicked two goals for the Cougars and teammates Mitchell O'Neill, Josh Harrison, player-coach Jye Depane, Stockton Cruz Shotter and Toby Perrin also worked hard but their side remains winless after three games.
Boddington and Wickepin continued on their winning ways, both recording thumping victories.
The Eagles piled on seven goals in the third term after an 11-goal first half on their way to a 96-point win at Matera Oval against Wagin on Sunday.
Lloyd Padwick finished with nine goals and fellow forward Mitchell Dobson bagged seven as the reigning premiers were far too slick, winning 21.12 (138) to 6.6 (42).
Harry Cabalzar, Zakery Pretty, Padwick, Jarrod Salmeri, Samuel Cooper and Dylan Kirk were the Eagles' best.
The home side was best served by Nick Menegola, Nicholas Mcmahon, Max Mumme, Josh Kirk (two goals) and Luke Rockley.
At Wickepin on Saturday, the Warriors ran out 78-point winners over Brookton-Pingelly as Kayle Kirby kicked five goals.
Kirby along with David Roche (four) and Ryan Melvin (three) did the damage for the Warriors up front.
The Warriors were on fire early with seven goals in the first quarter setting up the 18.6 (114) to 5.8 (38) win.
Miles Franklin, Roche, Fraser Wittwer, Jordan Flavel, Callum Hardie and Melvin all starred for the home side.
The Panther were best served by Sean Fletcher, Reese Richardson, Liam Beacom, Brett Woodhouse, Jacob Sounness and Jason Daniels.
In the other Saturday fixture, Narrogin were big 98-point winners over Katanning Wanderers at Clayton Road Oval.
A seven-goal second term guided the Hawks to an emphatic 17.21 (123) to 3.7 (25) result.
Declan Phillips, Declin Mumby, Jordan Heil, Jack Walsh, Coen Jackman, Rhys Hardie and Will Wiggett (four goals) were superb for the home side.
The Tigers' best players were James Laurino, Ryan Pontillo, Toby Quartermaine, Corey Eades, Joshua McMahon and Jed Kowald.