THE second semi-finals of the Upper Great Southern Football League were played in Williams on Sunday and saw the minor premiers in each grade winning out and going straight into the grand finals in Wickepin on September 12.
In the league game, Wanderers were coming into the game following 12 successive wins and were confident of continuing their winning run over the strong Williams combination.
In the first term, although kicking against a slight wind, Wanderers, using their pace and movement of the ball were able to outscore their opponents.
Fitzgerald was being well held by the Cats' defence, but clever scouting by their smaller player, enabled them to penetrate the strong defence and lead by almost three goals by the end of the term.
Wanderers were using their pace around the ground but were still finding the strength of the Cats players hard to overcome when the game was closed up.
Sheldon Kowald for Wanderers was providing some good leadership and his use of the ball to the running players was opening up opportunities for his side.
Justins was having an even tussle with Medlen and Farrant was being kept out of the game.
The second term was a real arm wrestle as both sides fought hard to gain an advantage.
The ball was going from one end to the other as both defences were on top and the pressure that was being applied was causing the ball to be continually turned over.
Wanderers extended their lead slightly in this quarter having kept Williams to just seven points and scoring 1.3 themselves.
The third term, once again lived up to his name of 'premiership quarter' as the strength of the Williams side started to assert itself.
Wanderers were keeping a tight reign on Williams but were denied having a easy avenue to goal themselves as Fitzgerald was having trouble getting free of his opponent and Brad Kain was doing a great job at centre half back.
The Berlund boys were racking up kicks around the ground and they finally broke through for some quick goals late in the quarter to take the lead.
Wanderers hit back soon after with another goal to regain the lead, but another goal to Williams just on three quarter time had them in front by three points – although both sides had been inaccurate in kicking for goal with the defensive units making life very hard: 6.13 to 6.10 set the scene for an exciting last term.
It was two tired teams that started the final term but Williams looked to have the upper hand as they were holding Wanderers and with goals to Medlen stretched their lead to 10 points.
However, Wanderers were not done and came back to get the difference to less than a goal before Cats scored another goal to seal the game and win by 10 points.
Medlen with his limited opportunities finished the game with four goals and Jamie Anderson two – with Leo Graham Medalist Price being the best for his side with Brad Kain and Brendan Burland. With Fitzgerald well held, it was left to the smaller players in Schloithe, Crosby and Collard to scout the packs and they kicked two goals each for Wanderers.
Matt Levitzke worked hard all day in the ruck with Travis Justins making Medlen work hard.
In the reserves, Wanderers continued their unbeaten run this season when they accounted for Williams comfortably by 46 points.
The defence of Wanderers closed down the dangerous Cats' forwards and controlled the game especially after a fairly even first term.
Katanning sealed the game in the third term when they kicked five goals to one.
Mark Pinney was top scorer for the winners with three goals with Pheasant and Newman their best. Williams couldn’t find a easy way to the goals and they had no multiple scorer.
Jo Phelps, Moore and Carter tried hard all day to lift their side but lacked support.
In the thirds game, Wanderers started out taking the game up to the undefeated Narrogin side in the first term, but Hawks got their game going in the second term and while the margin wasn’t great by the final siren, they were always in control and were never threatened.
Hawks had seven goalkickers for their eight goals with good games from Shane Norwell, Fazey and Hall.
Zack Simpson up forward for Wanderers kicked two of their four goals with Regan Poett, Simpson and Jacob Mills their best.
Next week's preliminary finals will be played in Pingelly and the wide open spaces of this ground will certain suit the quicker teams.
Wanderers will face up to Boddington who would have enjoyed the week’s rest to rest and recover while Wanderers must come along after the tiring game on Sunday.
For Wanderers to have any chance they must improve on their options to goals.
Fitzgerald was well held last week and their avenue to goal restricted.
Boddington also have a strong side physically and Wanderers will need to keep the game open and use their pace and ball movement if they want to move into the grand final.
Ryan Flugge hardly wastes a kick, Kowald with his experience keeps all his teammates in the game, and Schloithe, Davis, Crosby and Collard are dangerous.
However, Thomas is a big unit up forward for Boddington and with players like Fleay, Hardie, Walsh and Power moving the ball into his territory spectators will be in for a great game as these two tussle for the right to play Williams in the grand final.
In the reserves, Hawks will definitely be strengthened with available players now that their league side has been knocked out.
Williams will be smarting after their loss last week and looking forward to their third successive grand final.
Wanderers will face up to Wickepin in the thirds and eager to get another shot at Hawks.
Wickepin made it through to the grand final last season in a great effort and are having a good season again with limited numbers of players available.
However, they may find the Wanderers have all the answers and Katanning should get home in this game.
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