UGSFL 2023: Six-goal first quarter helps Katanning storm to UGSFL second semifinal win against Wickepin

Katanning Wanderers are the first team in the Upper Great Southern Football League grand final after a hard-fought 21-point win against Wickepin on Saturday in the second semifinal at Nenke Park. The Tigers burst out of the blocks with a six-goal first quarter against one, with Caleb Keley and Tyrone Roe both dominant in the forward line, kicking five goals between them in the first term. Mitch Banks had plenty of success in controlling the hit-outs while Kade Stewart and Haiden Schloithe were creative in the midfield. The Tigers’ slick ball movement proved a handful for the Warriors and they were up by 28 points at quarter-time, kicking 6.1 in an accurate opening. Although the Warriors created more opportunities with Ryan Melvin and Jaxon Ramsay getting more of the ball, the minor premiers outscored their opposition. Keley and Roe snagged four goals each by half-time to maintain a 36-point buffer. An early goal to Kieran Pirie gave the Warriors some hope and when Ramsay kicked his third, they moved to within 20 points. A contributing factor was the Tigers’ inaccuracy in front of goal, missing four gettable shots from within 40m of goal in the third term. Kyle Metcalf and Sam Fortini kicked accurately for the Warriors, Fortini’s coming after a strong mark in the square to move closer. Kade Stewart settled a few nerves with an accurate kick after the three-quarter-time siren to maintain a 29-point advantage. With the very warm conditions taking its toll on players, both sides fought tenaciously in the last quarter. The Warriors pushed the Tigers all the way, peppering them with seven shots at goal but the fierce defence of Travis Justins and his defensive brigade held the fort down and they could only add two goals. Kade Stewart had two contenders for mark of the year in the final term when he leapt twice above a pack of players parallel to the ground, only to drop the ball as he landed. The second marking attempt resulted in a hand ball to Keley, who was tackled high before kicking his fifth to seal the game, the Tigers finishing 12.16 (88) to 9.13 (67) winners. Kade Stewart was outstanding around the ground, Keley was electric in the forward line, and Tyrone Roe finished with four goals. Schloithe gathered a stack of possessions, Justins shone in defence while James Laurino, Banks and Toby Quartermaine (two goals) also dug in hard. For the Warriors Melvin was superb along with Jack O’Sullivan, Matthew Jukes, Pirie (two goals), Billy Clay and Ryan Duffy while Ramsay snagged three goals. The Warriors will now face Williams in this Sunday’s preliminary final.