Sport
3 August, 2024
Tigers stoked with big win, 'we wanted to kick more than 20' | HDFNL R16
Pimpinio beat Kaniva Leeor United 23.15 (153) - 8.6 (54).
The Pimpinio Tigers have made a statement in victory against the Kaniva Leeor United Cougars only three weeks out from the start of the 2024 HDFNL finals series.
The Tigers took control from the start of the match, dominating the first quarter, and when the Cougars showed the spark of a fight back in the second and third quarter, Pimpinio kept cool and quelled their opponents surge.
When the siren sounded, Pimpinio were ahead by 99 points, winning 23.15 (153) - 8.6 (54).
"I'm stoked with the result," said Pimpinio's senior football coach Guy Smith.
"We had a few benchmarks to hit [this season] and one was we needed a big win, we wanted to kick more than 20 goals.
"And we had to make amends for last week's disaster."
In round 15, Pimpinio lost to Kalkee 13.6 (84) - 6.11 (47).
Kaniva Leeor United came into the game with momentum, after a win against Rupanyup the previous weekend.
"They're really good in their ruck department, so we were wary they were probably going to get some really good centre clearances," Smith said.
"We knew every time they go forward, they always look dangerous.
"To our blokes credit they did really well, they held their nerves."
Smith said the Tigers' winning gameplan was 'simple'.
"We wanted to go back to getting our structured game going," he said.
"[We were] using the centre corridor as much as we possibly could, because we've gone away from doing that."
A season long issue the Tigers have faced is their second half blues, often the side has faded late in the contest and let games get away from them.
But, Smith was happy to see his side control four quarters of football in round 16.
"It was a total contrast," Smith said.
"I've expected them to be able to do that, but unfortunately we just haven't done it.
"We knew, that getting towards finals games, we have to play four quarters or we're going to be in trouble."
Despite the win, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Pimpinio in round 16.
After being hit hard around a ruck contest, Tigers key rover Jason Westley was removed from the field with a concussion.
"He's okay, he's up and about," Smith said.
"He's obviously had a knock to the head which is a bit unfortunate, but he's fine ... he's up beat, but he realises the weeks that he has to miss now, which is a bit disappointing."
Elsewhere in round 16, Paul Summers claimed another eight goals for the Swifts at Stawell's North Park, his season total now sits at 93.
But, it was not enough to see the Baggies to victory against Harrow Balmoral.
The Southern Roos won the likely finals preview 16.14 (110) - 12.6 (78).
Rhys Daffey and Cody Deutscher of Harrow Balmoral both kicked five goals.
At the Natimuk Showgrounds, Edenhope Apsley came from behind to claim victory against the Natimuk United Rams.
The Saints scored only one point in the opening quarter and trailed at each break.
But, when it mattered, the Saints has their noses in front 9.9 (63) - 8.14 (62).
And, Rupanyup beat Taylors Lake 14.23 (107) - 6.7 (43).