Sport
3 May, 2022
Tigers still on top despite first loss
SIMPSON Tigers experienced their first loss of the Colac and District Football League (CDFL) season last Saturday in their away match against South Colac, going down 6.8 (44) to 11.18 (84).
SIMPSON Tigers experienced their first loss of the Colac and District Football League (CDFL) season last Saturday in their away match against South Colac, going down 6.8 (44) to 11.18 (84).
South Colac got away early, kicking with the breeze in the first quarter and dominating the scoring opportunities to lead 3.9 (27) to 0.2 (2) at quarter time.
The Tigers rallied after the first break, outscoring the home side to get within 17 points at half time, but the Kangaroos once again took advantage of the prevailing winds, pushing the deficit out to 40 points at the third break.
A valiant last quarter from the visitors could not get them any closer, and the margin remain the same at full-time.
Despite suffering their first defeat, the Tigers remain on top of the ladder, leading a pack of six teams equal on 12 points after four rounds thanks to an impressive percentage of 211.05.
Rhys Ziegelaar, who has slotted into the Tigers’ squad this year after leaving Timboon, was best on ground for Simpson, with Jack Hookway, Brock Neal, Rhys Jansen van beek, Darcy Leishman and Brad Salmon also in the votes.
While the loss may be disappointing to the young Tigers, it was not entirely unexpected for Simpson coach Daniel Beard, who has been keenly aware of his side’s youthful inexperience throughout its strong start to the year.
“South Colac are definitely one of the teams to beat; from the teams we’ve played I’d say definitely the best team,” Beard said.
“The boys put up a really good showing, even though the scoreboard looked bad with the number of shots South Colac had."
“I said to the boys, ‘If you don’t win, you learn,’ and we’ll definitely learn a bit from that one.”
Beard said while his players were unhappy with the loss, spirits in the Simpson camp were still high.
“The feeling’s still very good. The boys were a little bit disappointed, because they really believe that they can be in most games,” he said.
“Coming from three wins in total last year, and the way the boys have improved, we’re really happy.”
Beard said while there was much to learn from the loss, he was proud of his players’ performance.
“You can’t doubt the boy’s effort and commitment, their willingness to get in the contest,” he said.
“They’ve been superb at that all year, and they were again on the weekend.”
The Tigers host Colac Imperials this weekend, and Beard said the experience against South Colac could give his side an idea of what to expect.
“Imps are, from all reports, very impressive and have elevated themselves into the Alvie/South Colac conversation, especially after beating Alvie las weekend,” he said.
“They’re arguably one of the top three teams, they move the ball very quickly, so we’ve got to be wary of that."
“But have that exposure to South Colac is going to give us a heads-up and allow us to prepare for that same style of game that Imps play.”
In other CDFL games last weekend Colac Imperials won against Alvie, Apollo Bay lost at home to Lorne, Otway Districts beat Birregurra by three points, and Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Western Eagles 155-12.