Sport
14 June, 2022
Big win takes Simpson to second
SIMPSON A grade netball side had a convincing win over Western Eagles at home on Saturday to slip past South Colac into second on the ladder.
SIMPSON A grade netball side had a convincing win over Western Eagles at home on Saturday to slip past South Colac into second on the ladder.
The Tigers sit equal on points and just five percentage points behind league leaders Irrewarra-Beeac after the first of the return fixtures against the Eagles.
The home side started strongly, shooting 19 goals to seven in the first period and repeating the formula in the second to lead 37-14 at half-time.
The third quarter was played on more even terms, with each team scoring ten goals in the worsening conditions after making a seriesof changes.
Simpson reasserted its dominance in the final term to stretch the margin out by another nine goals, winning 61-29.
Tigers coach Paige Salmon said her team was buzzing after the victory.
“I think everyone feels our hard work’s finally paying off and we’re starting to gel,” she said.
“Everyone’s really positive and looking forward to the second half of the season.”
Kelly Thompson was named best on court for the second game in a row, working tirelessly in the midcourt.
“She’s just so consistent, Kelly. She played a quarter at wing defence where she applied amazing pressure and really stopped the ball going into their ring,” Salmon said.
“She then played in centre, where she works hard 100 percent of the time, and she’s a great link bringing that ball back down the courtfor us.”
Hayley Pouw was also in the votes, as was Jessie Harding, who shot 30 goals to outscore the opposition team.
The Tigers will travel to Apollo Bay, where defender Sophie Cronin will play her 200th game for the club.
Simpson beat the Hawks 54-41 in round one, but Salmon said her team would not underestimate the sixth-placed side.
“We need to play four consistent quarters of netball and start really well, they’re a very strong side,” she said.
“All of the top six sides are really close, so we need to start strong and remain strong throughout the game.
“They’ve got a really tall goal shooter, so we need to stop the ball getting in to her. That’ll be our number one priority for the day.”