Three Springs hand Coorow Latham first defeat to go top of the North Midlands Football League

The Coorow Latham Magpies have been grounded for the first time this season as the Three Springs Bombers handed them their first loss of season 2023.

In a top-of-the-table clash, the Bombers grabbed the top spot in the North Midlands Football League after a thrilling 11.10 (76) to 8.3 (51) win on Saturday.

The Magpies and the Bombers have been the two standout teams this season, with the Bombers’ only loss coming when the Magpies swooped late to claim a thrilling win over them in round five.

There was nothing to separate the two sides in the opening exchanges of this clash, both sides held to one behind as the two lauded midfield cancelled each other out.

The Bombers’ inaccuracy cost them against the Magpies last time out and they blew more than one opportunity in the second quarter, kicking 3.6 as the Magpies kept in touch with two goals of their own.

There were more goals in the third term and just two goals separated the sides at three-quarter-time.

But the Bombers kicked four goals to two in the final quarter to grab the win and claim top spot over their fellow flag fancies.

Kamalh Papertalk was the star with six goals while Clayton Bruce-Cherry continued his good season with three. The Magpies had seven different goal kickers with Blair Stone (2) the only one to finish with multiple majors.

With no one in touching distance of these two sides this year the minor premiership will likely be decided when they meet again in the final round in a dress rehearsal for the grand final.

Carnamah Perenjori maintained their grip on third place as they smashed the Bulldogs (19.10) 124 to 5.6 (36).

Kobi Sellar and Jack Stone had five goals each as Mingenew were kept scoreless in the first quarter.

The game should have been over by half-time but a wasteful second quarter from the Roos where they kicked 2.6 meant the margin was only 30 points at the long break.

It wasn’t until the final quarter when Mingenew were buried, as the Roos kicked 10 goals to two.

Morawa survived an early scare to secure fourth place in a win over last-placed Dongara 12.12 (84) to 4.7 (31).

The Eagles were the surprise early leaders by two points at quarter-time but would kick only one more goal all afternoon.

Brad Porter’s six goals helped the Tigers score 10 goals to one after the first break while Henry Little, Brent Payne, Aden Tapscott and Thomas Carslake were also standouts for the home side.

In netball, Mingenew were big winners, 56-30, over Carnamah to move to a 4-4 win-loss record.