BY NATHAN DOLE
ULTIMA answered a spirited challenge from Hay to win the Golden Rivers FNL senior footy clash on Saturday by a goal.
The Kangaroos and Lions both warmed up for their finals campaigns by playing a great match in the 16th round on Ultima’s turf.
At quarter-time Ultima led 28-15.
Hay fired up to win the second term, 32-16.
Defences were on top in the third quarter as Ultima added 1.3 and Hay was held to a tally of two points.
Play opened up in the last where the Roos scored 3.2 to 3.0.
At the final siren, Ultima led 10.13 (73) to 10.7 (67).
Kade Benfield kicked four goals for Ultima as Corey Grey and Kyle Symons added two each.
Hay’s attack was led by Declan Watson, four; and Joel Crocker, two.
Best for the Kangaroos were Jack Fletcher, Luke Doolan, Kade Benfield, Jye Purtill, Will Nelson and Darcy Farrell.
Jack Cattanach, Luke Arandt, Clint Brunnenmeyer, Fergus Cattanach, Declan Watson and Will Clark played well for the Lions.
Wandella marked its final match of the season by scoring an upset 21-point win against Macorna.
The Bombers made a great start on their ground at Wandella to lead 28-8 at quarter-time.
The Tigers from Macorna fought back to win the second term, 27-9.
In the third it was Wandella which controlled a lot of the play to add 4.3 as it held the Tigers to a tally of 1.2.
Both teams added three goals in the last as the Bombers celebrated an 85-64 victory.
Adam Ward kicked three goals in a best afield performance for Wandella.
Darren Rushton also booted three goals for the red and black.
Macorna’s attack was led by Lachlan Ritchie and Chris Wilson with two.
Best for Wandella were Adam Ward, Russell Rich, Jack Radcliffe, Darren Rushton, Archer Lancaster and Myles Greenwood.
Lachlan Thompson, Jack Featherby, Xavier Wishart, Chris Wilson, Lachlan Ritchie and Ethan Stone were Macorna’s best.
Although there were many wayward shots at goal, Moulamein marked a 41-point win at Murrabit.
The visitors led 17-13 at quarter-time and then slammed on 5.5 to a point in the second.
A closely-fought third term went Moulamein’s way, 17-13.
Both teams added two goals in the last as the Swans won 10.22 (82) to 6.5 (41).
Moulamein’s attack was led by Amos Farrell and Rodney Reeves on three goals as Blake Azzopardi added two.
The Blues’ leading goalkickers were Damian Cupido and Nathan O’Toole on two.
Best for Moulamein were Rodney Reeves, Blake Azzopardi, Luke Shannon, Nathan Buckley, Amos Farrell and Lachie Martin.
Ed Aujard, Michael Grant, Tobie Cameron, Dustin Blake, Teeraphat Khongphueng and captain Nathan O’Toole were the Blues’ best.
Final standings in the Golden Rivers FNL senior footy competition:
Ultima 174 per cent, 60 points; Moulamein 139, 48; Hay 125, 40; Macorna 85, 20; Wandella 71, 16; Murrabit 54, 8.
First semi-finals will be played next Saturday at Moulamein Recreation Reserve.
The day’s action kicks off at 9.35am with the under-14 ½ clash between Wandella and Moulamein.
Wandella and Moulamein meet in the under-17 ½ match at 10.45am.
The reserves match between Wandella and Murrabit starts at 12.35pm.
Finale to a big day of footy action kicks off at 2.40pm when Hay and Macorna contest the seniors match.
Schedule for second semi-finals on September 2 at Ultima:
Seniors at 2.40pm: Ultima v Moulamein.
Reserves at 12.35pm: Ultima v Macorna.
Under-17 ½ at 10.45am: Macorna v Ultima.
Under-14 ½ at 9.35am: Macorna v Ultima.
Leaders in the goalkicking race:
52 Damian Cupido, Murrabit.
44 Declan Watson, Hay.
36 Andy Silva, Moulamein.
34 Lachlan Ritchie, Macorna.
29 Daniel Aarsman, Moulamein.
25 Amos Farrell, Moulamein.
24 Khy Stovell, Moulamein.
23 Kyle Symons, Ultima.
22 Ryan Devereux, Ultima.
20 Josh Flight, Moulamein.
20 Josh Walters, Macorna.
19 Jensen Hargreaves, Hay.
19 Michael Rowe, Wandella.
18 Chris Wilson, Macorna.
17 Simon Bunyan, Hay.
16 Fergus Cattanach, Hay.
16 Sean O’Reilly, Ultima.
16 Nathan O’Toole, Murrabit.
15 Blake Azzopardi, Moulamein.
15 Liam Whitbourne, Hay.
14 Kade Benfield, Ultima.
14 Kenneth Jubb, Hay.
14 Troy Parker, Macorna.
14 Morgan Randall, Murrabit.