Football
18 June, 2025
Bombers silence Tigers' roar
Noradjuha Quantong have continued their impressive start to the season with a 55-21 win over Pimpinio on Saturday in round nine of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
The Bombers looked rusty coming off the long weekend break as Pimpinio kept the ladder leaders to just one point in the first term, going up 13-1.
Following a spirited speech from coach Damian Cameron at the break, Noradjuha Quantong demonstrated why they were the team to beat in the second quarter, utilising their high-tempo style to take the lead and keep Pimpinio scoreless, entering half-time with a 31-13 lead.
The two sides battled through a hard-fought second half before the Bombers eventually prevailed 7.13 (55) to 3.3 (21).
For Noradjuha Quantong, best players were James Gregg and Jack Vague, while for Pimpinio, Adam Westley and Tom Arthur were the best on ground.
Gregg and Bombers teammate Jye Walter were the only players to score multiple goals, grabbing two apiece.
Speaking on the shift after the first quarter, Cameron said the side needed a rev-up after a slow start.
“We had a relaxed week on the track and that first quarter probably showed that,” Cameron said.
“We didn't get a lot of things right: we weren't running in numbers, we weren't hitting the ball first and our pressure wasn't that great when they had the footy, so that was pretty disappointing.”
“After a bit of a pull-through (at the break) and a reminder of the way we want to play, while it was pretty scrappy, we grounded out a good win and controlled a lot of it.”
With Pimpinio’s game plan focused on shutting down key forwards and midfielders, Cameron admitted that Pimpinio made it difficult for the Bombers, forcing the winners into uncharacteristic decisions.
“I think as a team we actually performed pretty well from the back 50, up the half-forward, linking up, spreading and using the ball well,” Cameron said.
“At times, Pimpinio flooded a bit and we were playing silly footy going inside, just bombing it along instead of linking up better."
Pimpinio coach Guy Smith said he was pleased with the team’s effort considering their current injury struggles.
The result sees Pimpinio shift to fifth on the ladder after the Swifts defeated Kaniva Leeor.