Football
15 April, 2026
Tigers score roaring win over Saints
Pimpinio’s senior football side opened their 2026 season in stellar fashion, dominating Edenhope Apsley in round one of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday, April 11.
Playing at home, the Tigers defeated the Saints 19.18 (132) to 3.3 (21).
Pimpinio were able to create opportunities up forward early, but with the support of a southerly breeze, Edenhope Apsley stayed with the home side as the Tigers entered quarter-time up 23-18.
But the Tigers quickly took control of the game in the second, dominating the contests and utilising pace on the wing.
The eight-goal second term, including three from Nick Groves, saw Pimpinio enter half-time up 73-18.
Despite an improved effort in the third quarter, the Saints were unable to kick a goal in the second half as the home side dominated territory and possession late, finishing 111-point winners.
For Pimpinio, Groves and Freddy Frew were among the best, finishing with six and four goals, respectively.
Youngsters Link Smith and Austin Simpson were impressive in the middle and up forward, while Liam Jakobi and Hugh Daniel were strong in the ruck.
For Edenhope Apsley, Matt Hodge, Luke Cooper and Josh La Rocca each scored a goal, with backman Flynn Loft and ruck Jeremy Kealy among their best.
Pimpinio co-coach Matt Rosier credited the younger players on the team on what he said was a great all-around performance.
“Great start, particularly from the younger brigade boys, who really stood up in the middle,” he said.
“We moved the ball really well, defended really well.
"It was a pretty complete game.
“If I was to get picky, a bit straighter kicking would have helped, myself included, but I can’t complain: it was a great round one win from the boys.”
Asked what ignited the eight-goal second quarter, the co-coach acknowledged the team played well in the first quarter, but they were better able to stay calm and convert their opportunities from then on.
“We talked about it at quarter-time, about just not panicking,” Rosier said.
“We actually had the majority of forward 50s going into the breeze and maybe didn’t capitalise as much as we’d like to.
“The second quarter, we were able to get some scoreboard pressure and continued it after halftime.”