Football
2 June, 2026
Tigers upset Bombers
A six-goal final quarter helped steer Pimpinio’s senior football side to a 15.14 (104) to 11.7 (73) victory against Noradjuha Quantong in round eight of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday, May 30.
A six-goal final quarter helped steer Pimpinio’s senior football side to a 15.14 (104) to 11.7 (73) victory against Noradjuha Quantong in round eight of the Horsham District Football Netball League on Saturday, May 30.
Played at Pimpinio, the Bombers had the early momentum, kicking four goals in the opening 20 minutes of play,
But with both teams missing their key ruckman, the Tigers pounced off stoppages to kick four straight first-term goals to lead 37-26 at the first break.
A highly contested second quarter kept each side to one goal each as the home side maintained a 46-37 halftime lead.
The Tigers created numerous scoring opportunities in the third quarter but managed just 2.8, whereas the Bombers’ accurate goal kicking gave them a one-point lead (67-66) into the final break.
Pimpinio managed to dominate possession and territory in the final term, kicking six goals to the Bombers’ one to complete a 31-point victory.
Austin Simpson was one of the best on ground, leading the Tigers with three goals, while Nick Groves, Adam Westley, Brock Hamerston, Cullen Williams and Link Smith each kicked two.
Along with the goal kickers, Matt Rosier and Noah Jacobsen had strong performances across the park.
For the Bombers, Dylan Shelley led the side with five goals, while Darcy Hogan and James Gregg kicked two goals each.
Shelley, Gregg, Dyson Parish, Declan Phyland and James Hallett were among the Bombers’ best.
Asked about the third-quarter message to the team, Tigers co-coach Cullen Williams said the team was told that they had the advantage and to keep true to their process.
“We looked at the stats, and we were winning most areas, winning those inside 50s, but we just weren't converting in that third quarter,” he said.
“We were missing some easy chances, and credit to Quanny, they were slotting any chance they got.
“The messaging was that we’ve been on top all day, we’ve got the legs to run over the top of them, and we did that.
“Rosie and I couldn’t be more proud of the boys.”
The Pimpinio coach believes the side has been improving in recent weeks but just needs to clean up certain areas of its game.
“We've been building the last few weeks, and realistically, we had our chances against Kaniva,” Williams said.
“The messaging to the boys all week was that we’re not far off it; we just needed to tidy up some little things we were dropping off on.
“The big focus over the last two weeks was our starts and our defensive pressure, which we delivered on.”
As well as praising Austin Simpson for his game up forward, Williams credited Noah Jacobsen for helping nullify Bombers forward Judah Hobbs.
“Aussie can play down back, in the midfield or up forward and after moving him forward against Kaniva, we put him forward for Saturday,” he said.
“He provides an extra target, and he was probably our best player.
“Noah played well on Judah last year, so we did that again, and credit to Noah, he played really well and made sure he wasn't much of a factor.”