Milestones for Tigers

SIMPSON’S senior footballers now sit just one game outside the top five on the Colac League ladder after defeating Irrewarra-Beeac last weekend.

Playing in front of a home crowd on Saturday, the Tigers were rewarded for their consistency with a 45-point victory, 15.7.97 to 8.4.52.

Team coach Daniel Beard said he was happy with his side’s four quarter performance, rating the game as one of the best they’d played this season to date.

“I was really pleased with how the boys went against one of the top three sides in the competition,” he said.

“We knew we’d have to pick up a win over one of those top sides in the run to finals and to have that under our belts is great.

“I thought we really took our game to another level on Saturday and that showed on the scoreboard. The ground was in great condition and apart from a little bit of rain the conditions were good.”

Beard said aspects of their game the team had been working on at training, really fell into place.

“I’m really happy with where we are now at and our final three games of the home and away season, against South Colac, Apollo Bay and Birregurra are all winnable ones so we’ll be aiming for finals footy.

“With round 16 split over two weekends, we’ll have this Saturday off and will come back fresh and ready to tackle South the following weekend,” he said.

Saturday also gave the Tigers the opportunity to recognise and celebrate team-mate Johno Jennings’ 200th game.

“Johno also played his junior footy at Simpson and this milestone is a real credit to him,” Beard said.

“He’s a well respected member of our club and we congratulate him on his 200th.”

Best for the seniors on Saturday were Mark Jamar, Beau Clarke, McVilly, Jarrod Garth, Nick Duynhoven and Brad Salmon.

Garth booted six goals for the day and was well supported on the board by Nick Duynhoven and Lochie Hawkins with two apiece.

Nicholas Harding, Jonathon Jennings, Ryleigh McVilly, Mitch Reed and Mitch Wright also contributed a goal each.

Simpson’s reserve footballers sit top of the table and a game clear of Alvie in second place.

Last weekend gave them win number 13 for the season, defeating Irrewarra-Beeac by 30 points, 7.9.51 to 3.3.21.

Best for the team were Matthew Rhode, Gus Hawkes, David Weel, Tanner Fratantaro, Sam Rial and Jaryd Duynhoven.

Weel kicked three goals for the day while Jamie Barry, Rohan Johns, Cody Mason and Jordan Riches kicked one each.

On the netball courts, Simpson celebrated a 250-game milestone for A grade player, Paige Salmon.

“Paige is a wonderful asset to our club, both on and off the court, and a fantastic leader,” A grade coach Emily Duynhoven said.

“She is our current netball president, has won multiple best and fairest awards, coached several sides and is a true leader in all aspects.

“She plays defence in A grade and really holds up that end of the court; she offers experience and guidance and we were thrilled to see her recognised for 250 games.”

Reflecting on the season to date, Duynhoven said the Tigers were excited with how their teams had improved and were looking forward to the run home to finals.

“Last year our A grade finished on the bottom of the ladder and now we’re sitting fourth which is a huge turnaround and something we’re very proud of,” she said.

“We’re all really keen for finals. Not only is our A grade in the top five, C grade is only just outside and D is sitting fourth, along with the 17s in fifth.

“It’s great for our netballers and great for the club.”

Duynhoven also made mention of junior player Shelby Cameron who was brought in to the A grade side several times this season and was really “holding her own”.

“Shelby plays in goals for the 17s and has played in the midcourt for A grade,” Duynhoven said.

“She’s doing really well and has held her own during some intense games.”

Results from last Saturday’s round:

A grade – Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Simpson 54-29. Best players: Paige Salmon, Holly Duynhoven and Jessie Harding.

B grade – Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Simpson 36-29. Best: Claudia Richardson, Kayla Hallyburton and Brianna Gass.

C grade – Simpson defeated Irrewarra-Beeac 39-32. Best: Rachael Duynhoven, Leesa Seabrook and Georgia Arndell.

D grade – Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Simpson 35-23. Best: Esha Crole, Jade Sambell and Kellie Meade.

17 and under – Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Simpson 57-19. Best: Ella Arndell, Shelby Cameron and Shayla Daniels.

15 and under – Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Simpson 59-19. Best: Kustom Robertson, Esha Crole and Lucy Jones.

13 and under – Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Simpson 32-16. Best: Grace Bowman, Milah Crole and Halle Barake.