Football
16 September, 2025
Bombers and Tigers claim junior football premierships
Noradjuha Quantong and Pimpinio claimed honours in the HDFNL junior football grand finals, taking out the premierships in the under 14s and under 17s, respectively.
The under 14s kicked off the day's games, with Noradjuha Quantong getting on the front foot right away as Peter Smith kicked a goal one minute into the game and scored again later in the quarter, giving his side a 12-1 quarter-time lead.
Noradjuha Quantong retained control of the game, keeping the Lakers scoreless in the second quarter while adding two goals to take a 24-point half-time lead.
Taylors Lake Rupanyup were able to match the Bombers at the contest in the third as Max Borchard scored his team’s first goal of the game, but a Maverick Adams goal just before the siren allowed the Bombers to take a 33-8 lead at the final break.
After the Bombers extended their lead early in the fourth, a spirited Lakers finish saw them kick four final-quarter goals, but Noradjuha Quantong held on to win by 19 points.
The final score was Noradjuha Quantong 8.4 (52) to Taylors Lake Rupanyup 5.3 (33).
The Bombers’ Judd Oakley backed up his best-and-fairest award with a best-on-ground performance, with Jett Rowe, Oliver King and Peter Smith all standouts in the winning effort.
For Taylors Lake Rupanyup, Lewis Gellatly, Braxton Dougherty and Jimmy Monaghan were among the side’s best, while Borchard and Jaxon Borinelli each kicked two goals.
Jason Rowe, co-coach of Noradjuha Quantong, said he was proud of the young side’s teamwork and effort in helping produce the premiership win.
“It’s a good feeling to see the kids win in games like this, handle the pressure, and they played as such a team,” Rowe said.
“At the start of the year I was pretty confident we could make finals but to improve during the year and go all the way, that’s what it’s all about.”
In the under 17s, Pimpinio continued its stronghold in the Horsham District Football Netball League, winning a fourth consecutive premiership by defeating Kaniva Leeor Edenhope Apsley on Saturday.
The reigning premiers dominated possession and scoring opportunities in the opening minutes before both sides proceeded to trade goals, with Pimpinio taking a slight 16-14 lead at the first break.
The second quarter was also evenly matched, with accurate set shots from Isaac Thomas and Brydon McPhee helping the Tigers to a 30-22 half-time lead.
But a 2-1 goal advantage to the Cougars reduced the deficit to two (39-37) at the final break.
Kaniva Leeor Edenhope Apsley went ahead early in the final term but Pimpinio scored two goals before eventually holding on to win by two points.
Pimpinio kicked 7.10 (52) to Kaniva Leeor Edenhope Apsley's 7.8 (50).
Pimpinio’s Austin Simpson was named best on ground for his great performance, with Isaac Thomas, Chase Porter and Flynn Baker amongst the side’s best, while McPhee led with three goals.
For the Cougars, Willis Stimson, Oscar Dunstan and Leeroy Grant were among the best, with Marcus McIntrye and Tyler Saunders each scoring three goals for the losing side.
Brett Thompson, co-coach of Pimpinio, said he was stoked to win the club’s fourth straight under 17s premiership, acknowledging the 2025 season was the toughest one.
“It’s an absolute privilege to win the premiership and for it to be four in a row now is a great achievement,” Thompson said.
“That was by far the toughest one we’ve had.
“It was a great game of football and either side could have won that.”
