Sport
7 May, 2025
Tigers struggle at home
SIMPSON’S senior footballers slumped to a second consecutive loss last weekend, going down 13.7.85 to 11.2.68 against Birregurra at home.
“I felt we were right in it for most of the game, it was a see-sawing battle all day,” Simpson coach Damien Pemberton said.
“From last week’s game to this game, our endeavour and ball use was much better.”
The Tigers were ahead at half-time by nine points but the visitors booted nine goals to five in the second half to run out 17 point winners.
“It was a frustrating result, we cost ourselves; gave away too many silly frees,” Pemberton said.
The Simpson coach said he took plenty of positives out of the game.
“We had 18 forward entries to eight in the final quarter and our runners gave us plenty throughout.”
Teenager Isaac Holland made his senior debut for the Tigers, Pemberton liking what he saw.
“Isaac was really good, he’s kept putting his hand up with good performances in the reserves,” Pemberton said.
“He played his role.”
Aaron Harding, who played last year at South Australian club Port MacDonnell, made his return to Simpson colours.
“Aaron was a fantastic in for us, he gives us another forward option and despite a limited pre-season he proved he belongs as a senior player.”
Defender Zac Harrop-Anderson was named best for the Tigers,with Pemberton describing him as “a genuine solid back down there, he just gets the job done with minimum fuss”.
This week the Tigers travel to Alvie.
“It will be another tough test, we look forward to proving ourselves against another top team,” Pemberton said.
In the reserves, Simpson went down 4.1.25 to Birregurra’s 9.6.60.
Brayden Hawkes was Simpson’s best for a second week in a row, also slotting two goals.
In the under 18s, Birregurra won 16.15.111 to Simpson 0.2.2.
Sam O'Connor and Bradey Fratantaro were Simpson’s best.
Birregurra also kicked 16.15.111 in the under 15s to defeat Simpson 2.2.14.
Orson Capizzi kicked both goals for the Tigers, with Lucas Woolstencroft named best player.
Birregurra ran out 66 point winners in the under 12s, 11-15-81 to 2-3-15, Kaiden Teal and Chase McCallum the goal kickers for the junior Tigers.
Simpson’s A grade netballers led at quarter time but that was where their advantage ended, going down 47-34.
Tigers stalwart Jessie Harding played her 250th senior game for the club in the loss, top scoring for her team with 16 goals.
“It's a pretty massive achievement, something I'm really proud of,” the Tigers co-captain said.
Harding nominated the 2018 A grade premiership, after playing in two previous grand final losses, as her favourite moment.
“Getting to 200 games a few years back and becoming a third generation life member (after grandfather Brian Hawkins and father Neil Hawkins) was a milestone that really meant a lot too,” she said.
Enjoyment of the game is still important for the goal shooter.
“Playing at Simpson with my friends is very important to me,” she said.
Harding has battled some injuries, including a bulging disc last year, but has no plans to stop.
“I'll keep going for as long as the body holds up.”
Birregurra won the B grade netball 36-28, Shelby Cameron shot 14 goals with Carol Arndell best player for the Tigers.
In the C grade game, the margin was 10 goals in Birregurra’s favour, 39-29.
Kayla Hallyburton scored 16 goals, with Hayley Weel named as the Tigers best.
Birregurra made it a clean sweep of the senior netball with a 27-23 win in the D grade match.
Tigers captain Sharni Ward scored 14 goals and was named best for the D grade Tigers.
Simpson won the 17 and under netball 26-21, Esha Crole shot 16 goals, with Olivia Rhode named as the Tigers best.
Simpson was too strong in the 15 and under game, winning 33-20.
Halle Barakewas best for the Tigers, with Kustom Robertson top scoring with 18 goals.
The 13 and under match saw a 32-12 win for Birregurra.
Mia Arndell shot nine goals, with Alexis Barake best player for the Tigers.
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