Sport
31 May, 2022
Simpson drop to fifth
SIMPSON Tigers have dropped to fifth on the ladder below Irrewarra-Beeac after losing to the Bombers in a six-point nail-biter at home on Saturday.
SIMPSON Tigers have dropped to fifth on the ladder below Irrewarra-Beeac after losing to the Bombers in a six-point nail-biter at home on Saturday.
After remaining goalless through the first quarter Simpson rallied through the second period, gaining the majority of possession and constantly getting opportunities on goal.
But wayward kicking from set shots cost the Tigers, only converting seven of their 26 scoring shots to go down 7.19 (61) to 9.13 (67) despite being seven points up mid-way through the last quarter.
Jack Hookway was best on ground for Simpson, starting the game at centre half-back before making a big impact in theruck, while former Timboon duo Rhys Ziegelaar and Tomas Lindquist also fired for the home side.
The match was an important one to finish up the first round of matchups for the season, as a win would have put Simpson clear in third ahead of Irrewarra-Beac.
As it stands, the Tigers are now two points behind the Bombers in fifth, with Imperials and Lorne breathing down their necks.
Simpson coach Daniel Beard said the result was a huge disappointment given the way the side had played across the field.
“Everyone was very flat afterwards, all the players and coaching staff, because we felt we were probably the better side on the day,” he said.
“We effectively kicked ourselves out of the win by missing some really easy set shots, ones that were straight in front and not far out.
“At the end of the day it was just about our goals and points, kicking 7.19 was the difference.”
Beard said a lack of composure when his side hit the front in the last quarter had also been a factor.
“We probably rushed rather than just slowing the pace and maintaining possession when we had the lead,” he said.
“We needed to be careful with it going forward, but turnovers cost us back the other way. They got two late goals and we just couldn’t get the one back at the end to win it.”
Beard said it wasn’t all doom and gloom, highlighting the positive vibe around the club.
“It was sponsors’ day on the weekend, we had a great crowd and a guest speaker in David Schwartz,” he said.
“The feeling around the place, as much as the loss hurt, is really buoyant as to where the club’s sitting right now.
“And the netball side’s doing really well, they had a great win. It’s just a really good place to be around at the minute.”
The match against Lorne this week is another eight-pointer for the Tigers – a win will put Simpson eight points clear of Lorne, while a loss will see the Dolphins draw level with them – and Beard said his team’s general play against Irrewarra-Beeac showed that the playing group could compete with any team in the league.
“As disappointing as the weekend was, it’s a huge boost to the boys to know that we were right in it with what’s touted as the third-best side in the competition,” he said.
“We probably should have beaten the third-best side. We’ve beaten Imps, so we’re right up amongst this pack of sides with Lorne as well.
“It’s a really good thing for us to know that’s where we’re at, and it’s really exciting for the development of the group.”