Sport
16 April, 2025
Nine goal haul from Harding
A NINE goal effort from forward Nick Harding has helped Simpson make it two wins from two to start the 2025 season.
Last weekend saw the Tigers enjoy a 53-point win over Otway Districts at Simpson.
“He (Harding) is one of the best forwards I've ever played with, he presents well and gives himself every opportunity,” new Tigers coach Damien Pemberton said.
The star sharpshooter kicked all of Simpson’s five first half goals as the Tigers went into the main break with an eight-point lead.
Simpson proceeded to kick seven goals to three in a match winning third quarter effort.
This was followed by a six goal to two final quarter.
“We need to work on our starts, running out games has been our strength once we settle down,” Pemberton said.
Pemberton was quick to heap praise on the older Simpson brigade.
"Brad Salmon, Nick Harding, Darcy and Tom Leishman, they just know when it's the right time to stand up, and stand up they did on Saturday.
“One of the hottest games I've played in, it was lucky we had plenty of options for rotations,” said a happy Pemberton, thrilled with how his players handled Saturday's heat.
Young players Bailey Foster and Jack Balcombe, who debuted in round one, and Geordie Ferrari, who made his senior debut on Saturday, also drew praise from Pemberton.
“They had earned their place, taken the step up to senior footy in their stride and will get used to playing senior footy the more they are exposed to it,” he said.
Pemberton has been thrilled with the buy in from the senior list since taking over.
“We've had a strong team in the reserves for a number of years, it's exciting that a number of those guys are pushing themselves to try and play senior footy, it gives us good depth going forward,” he said.
Simpson's next challenge is against last year's runner up Irrewarra-Beeac on April 26.
Pemberton said Simpson would prepare well over the next fortnight and concentrate on fine tuning their game.
In the earlier games last weekend, Simpson had a 46 point win in the reserves, a 62 point win in the under 15s and a 30 point loss in the under 12s.
Simpson’s netballers had a great day on the courts, winning five of the six games played.
A grade – Simpson defeated Otway Districts 35-28. Best players: Jessie Harding, Sophie Taylor and Paige Salmon.
B grade – Simpson defeated Otway Districts 44-39. Best: Brianna Gass, Tahlia Daniels and Melissa Drayton.
C grade – Simpson defeated Otway Districts 45-30.
D grade – Simpson defeated Otway Districts 42-28. Best: Brianna Ferrari, Lisa Arndell and Isabelle Robertson.
17 and under – Simpson defeated Otway District 30-26. Best: Gabby Montano, Leah Godfrey and Ellie Balcombe.
15 and under – Simpson drew with Otway Districts 26-26. Best: Milah Crole, Keisha McVilly and Anna Robb.
13 and under – Simpson lost to Otway Districts 6-33. Best: Alexis Barake, Nyha Ford and Kensie Austin.
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