Football
25 April, 2026
Bombers, Rams to contest Arapiles Cup
Noradjuha Quantong and Natimuk United’s senior football sides will go head to head in the annual Arapiles Cup clash this Sunday, April 26, at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
The Bombers are coming off a thrilling 59-57 win over Harrow Balmoral, and are looking primed to finish among the top of the ladder again in 2026.
But their cross-town rivals look set to challenge them on Sunday if their opening two rounds are anything to go by.
The Rams comprehensively defeated Rupanyup in round one before challenging 2025 finals side Kaniva Leeor all game in round two, ultimately going down 115-98.
Bombers assistant coach Wade Francis wants to build off the side’s impressive start to the season, but is cautious of a Natimuk side that looks to keep getting better.
“It is a good start for the year, so we don't want to be taking any backward steps now,” Francis said.
“Natimuk can sometimes be a bit of a mystery; I've heard they've brought in a couple of good players.
“So we're gonna have to be on top of that early to make sure they don't get a jump on us, and then hopefully we can just control the game and play our brand of footy.
“With the rivalry there, it always seems to be a very tough and contested game, so we're looking forward to it.”
One of the key matchups on the ground will be in the ruck, where the 2025 HDFNL best and fairest runner-up Jack Vague will go against Natimuk recruit Henry Gould, who last year competed in the South Australian Country Football Championships.