Sport
28 August, 2024
Tigers earn fifth spot
SIMPSON will be well represented at this weekend’s opening round of the finals series for the Colac and District League.
A final round loss for Colac Imperials (against Lorne) and a 43-point win for the Tigers against Birregurra has seen the Tigers sneak in to the top five on the senior football ladder.
Coach Daniel Beard said he was “absolutely thrilled” with his side’s performance on the weekend.
“We really went in there with nothing to lose and everything to gain and we played solid, strong footy,” Beard said.
“And the cards fell our way. We always said 10 wins would give us a fair crack at getting in the top five and it did.
“The result was reward for the effort of all the boys. They’ve been working hard and staying focussed. We now have our seniors, reserves and under 18s all in finals (along with three netball sides) which is a great effort for a small club like ours and we’re all very excited and very proud.”
While praising the efforts of his entire side for their strong performance on Saturday, Beard made mention of the likes of Mitch Wright and Ryleigh McVilly.
“Mitch has been threatening in recent weeks to kick a handful of goals and he did just that on Saturday; he kicked four and played a great game,” Beard said.
“And Ryleigh kicked a goal and put in a huge effort for us all day. He was really strong out there.”
The team will now turn its attention to this Sunday’s elimination final against South Colac.
While they didn’t beat the side in the home and away season, Beard is confident his team will “give it a good crack.”
“Finals footy is always a whole new ball game; the slate is wiped clean and anything can happen,” he said.
“Apart from one bloke with a season-ending injury, we have a full playing list available and they’re all up and about.”
Last Saturday’s final round of the home and away series saw the Tigers take the win over Birregurra, 11.9.75 to 4.8.32.
Among the best were Beau Clarke, Mitch Wright, Bradley Gillingham, Ryleigh McVilly, Jack Finn and Brock Neal.
The reserves chalked up win number 16 for the year with a huge win over Birregurra, 20.12.132 to 1.1.7.
Brodie Neale and Sam Rial both booted home five goals while Brayden Hawkes contributed three and Harry Fleming and Luke Ranno both kicked two.
Other contributors to the board were Jaryd Duynhoven, Shaun Guy and Daniel Wright.
Best for the team were Brayden Hawkes, Jason Kordupel, Samuel Newcombe, Brodie Neale, Sam Rial and Harry Fleming.
The under 18s went down by 47 points to the top side, 5.6.36 to 12.11.83 and finished fourth on the ladder.
Best for the Tigers last weekend were Nate Sambell, Blake Ferrari, Bodhi Crole, Oliver Rial, Jack Balmcombe and Bradey Fratantaro.
Simpson’s A grade netballers had a strong day on the court, defeating Birregurra 54-44.
Best for the Tigers were Eliza Duynhoven, Holly Duynhoven and Chloe Woods.
Other netball results:
B grade – Birregurra defeated Simpson 41-34. Best: Kara Tyrer, Brianna Gass and Tahlia Daniels.
C grade – Birregurra defeated Simpson 43-28. Best: Hannah Woods, Leesa Seabrook and Georgia Arndell.
D grade –Simpson defeated Birregurra 34-24. Best: Brianna Ferrari, Bernadette Bellman and Carly Newcombe.
17 and under – Simpson defeated Birregurra 45-21. Best: Tyra Sambell, Ella Arndell and Shelby Cameron.
15 and under – Birregurra defeated Simpson 44-20. Best: Lucy Ferrari, Leah Godfrey and Ellie Balcombe.
13 and under – Birregurra defeated Simpson 43-24. Best: Milah Crole, Mia Arndell and Halle Barake.
The Colac and District finals series will kick off this weekend.
Simpson’s senior footballers will play the elimination final against South Colac at Central Reserve from 2pm Sunday while the reserves, after finishing on top of their ladder, have earned the week off.
The Tigers’ under 18s finished fourth and will take on South Colac in Sunday’s elimination from 10.30am.
The club will also be well represented on the netball courts during Sunday’s elimination rounds.
A grade will face Birregurra, D grade will play Western Eagles and the 17 and unders will take on Colac Imperials.