Sport
17 July, 2024
Tigers hunt for a top five spot
SIMPSON’S senior footballers now sit just a game out of the top five on the Colac and District League ladder following a win over Otway Districts last weekend.
On a heavy Gellibrand ground last Saturday, the Tigers worked hard to keep their feet and control the play.
“The ground was pretty slippery and muddy and was quite heavy to play on,” senior coach Daniel Beard said.
“You wouldn’t expect that, given the recent weather we’ve had, but to the boys credit they really controlled the tempo and outscored Districts in the second, third and four quarters.
“It was a slow grind but they worked at it and came home with the win. It was also a Let’s Talk round so we made sure, as always, that everyone enjoyed the game, had a chat and really got around each other.”
Beard said he was also “thrilled” with how some of the side’s younger, developing players continue to step up and shine.
“The young kids we’re developing are really starting to show out there which is great for them and great for the club,” he said.
“The likes of Mitch Reed, Brad Gillingham, Tanner Fratantaro and Jack Finn all had solid games and Noah Ackerley worked well in the ruck.
“We just take things week to week; we follow a motto of the past is done, do what’s in front of you. Our upcoming games are all winnable ones and I know the boys will all give their best.”
Finals scores last Saturday were Simpson 8.11.59 to Otway Districts 3.7.25.
Best for the Tigers were Reed, Nicholas Harding, Jack Finn, Darcy Leishman, Jack Hookway and Mitch Wright.
Harding had a great day in front of goals, kicking home six, while Jonathon Jennings and Reed each added one.
The Tigers’ reserves continued its successful season to date, holding on to top spot on the ladder with a well-earned 64-point win over Otway Districts, 11.8.74 to 1.4.10.
Brodie Neale kicked four for the day and was named in the best alongside Cody Mason, Jamie Barry, Cooper Neal, Gus Hawkes and Shaun Guy.
Barry, Kyle Clemmens, Bailey Foster, Jason Kordupel, Mason, Brett Robbins and David Weel each contributed a goal.
Simpson’s under 18s sit in third spot on the ladder after a commanding 37-point win on the weekend, 10.11.71 to 5.4.34.
Riley Chamberlain kicked four goals for the Tigers while Sam O’Connor kicked three, Isaac Holland two and Luke Everett kicked one.
Best for the side were Everett, Zane Potter, Oliver Rial, Chamberlain, O’Connor and Jack Balcombe.
With just five rounds remaining, Simpson’s A grade netballers are sitting fourth on the ladder, a game clear of the fifth-placed Birregurra, after defeating Otway by five goals 46-41.
Despite being down by two after the opening quarter, the Tigers regrouped and worked hard all over the court to lead for the remainder of the match.
Best for the side were Chloe Woods, Paige Salmon and Jessie Harding.
B grade also enjoyed victory, defeating Otway by just two goals, 43-41. Best players were Melissa Drayton, Kayla Hallyburton and Claudia Richardson.
C grade saw the Tigers fall short of victory, 36-44, with Georgia Arndell, Leesa Seabrook and Ella Arndell named in the best players.
Simpson’s D grade side, sitting fourth, defeated Otway Districts 38-17 with Carly Newcombe, Milah Crole and Bernadette Bellman in the best players.
Junior netball results were as follows:
17 and under – Simpson defeated Otway Districts 38-35. Best: Shelby Cameron, Shayla Daniels and Esha Crole.
15 and under – Otway Districts defeated Simpson 36-26. Best: Kustom Robertson, Lucy Jones and Ellie Balcombe.
13 and under – Otway Districts defeated Simpson 35-17. Best: Grace Bowman, Milah Crole and Halle Barake.