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Crucial fortnight coming up for Katanning Wanderers as they look to lock away a top two spot

Andrew Pritchard & Tom ShanahanGreat Southern Herald
Katanning’s James Laurino drives his team forward.
Camera IconKatanning’s James Laurino drives his team forward. Credit: Tom Shanahan

Katanning Wanderers moved a step closer to securing a top two spot after a hard-fought 39-point win over Boddington in round 11 of the Upper Great Southern Football League competition on Sunday.

With three rounds left in the regular season Wanderers remain on top after their 13.15 (93) to 7.12 (54) win in Boddington in wintry conditions.

The result sets up a defining fortnight ahead as the Wanderers face the second placed Brookton-Pingelly and third placed Williams, which will determine who earns a finals double chance.

Boddington’s Blake Reynolds takes possession.
Camera IconBoddington’s Blake Reynolds takes possession. Credit: Tom Shanahan

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Wanderers were buoyed by the return of ruckman Khallon Zilm and star midfielder Kade Stewart but went in without defenders Liam Hansen and Ryan Pontillo and forwards Kahn Wyatt, Callum and Laurie Collard.

Youngster ruckman Caleb Keley again starred as he expertly tapped the ball to his midfielders and marked strongly around the ground.

Another youngster Codie Mills-Durack had a purple patch in the third quarter with three goals and used his pace to effect all day.

Thomas Pyke and Caleb Keley contest the ruck.
Camera IconThomas Pyke and Caleb Keley contest the ruck. Credit: Tom Shanahan

Declan Georgy again was tigerish in defence, thwarting many Eagles attacks and combined well with Ricky Marris.

In the first quarter both sides took time to adjust to the breezy conditions but Wanderers led by 10 points.

Inaccurate kicking at goal plagued both sides in the second, particularly Wanderers who kicked eight points before long goals to Hayden Yarran, Willie and Tyrone Roe helped the visitors extend the margin to 35 points.

Katanning’s Tyrone Roe kicks on goal.
Camera IconKatanning’s Tyrone Roe kicks on goal. Credit: Tom Shanahan

The Eagles produced a stoic effort in the third quarter to get themselves back into the contest but Wanderers kept finding an answer to every challenge.

The breeze dropped in the last quarter to allow both sides scoring opportunities and this quarter was the most productive for goal scoring, with Wanderers kicking four to the Eagles three.

Yarran, Mills-Durack and Stewart finished with three goals each whilst the Eagles had seven single goal scorers.

Katanning’s Kade Stewart gets a handball away under pressure.
Camera IconKatanning’s Kade Stewart gets a handball away under pressure. Credit: Tom Shanahan

Wanderers captain James Laurino was judged best on the ground by the umpires and was presented with the match day ball in Think Mental Health Round.

The winners were best served by Keley, Mills-Durack, Laurino, Georgy and Reece Nicholson.

Sam Graham and Jarryd Calver led the way for the home side while Mitchell Salmeri, Jimi Gillespie, Matt White and Ryan Smith also played strong games.

Wanderers dominated the Eagles 19.20 (134) to 4.1 (25) in the reserves to jump to second on the ladder.

Boddington’s Sam Graham gets a clearing kick away.
Camera IconBoddington’s Sam Graham gets a clearing kick away. Credit: Tom Shanahan

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