Sport
16 June, 2026
Grasshoppers leap past Tigers
The latest chapter in the long-standing rivalry between two former Lexton League clubs belonged to Navarre, with the Grasshoppers producing a polished four-quarter performance to defeat Lexton by 43 points.
Navarre controlled proceedings from the outset, with Sam Walker opening the scoring before Sam Rickard and Arley Perry added majors.
Captain Riley Bibby capped off an impressive opening quarter with a goal of his own as the Grasshoppers raced to a 26-point lead at the first break after four unanswered goals.
The second quarter became a dour affair as both sides struggled to find avenues to goal. Navarre managed three behinds while Lexton’s only score for the term was a behind, leaving the Grasshoppers comfortably in control with a 28-point lead at half time.
The Tigers showed more intent after the main break and finally broke through for their first goal of the game. However, every time Lexton threatened, Navarre had an answer.
Bibby, Luke Hendy, and Harry Bigmore all hit the scoreboard before Rickard added his second goal of the afternoon. Despite Lexton kicking two goals for the quarter, Navarre extended its lead to 39 points by the final change.
The final term followed a similar pattern. Justin Kennedy and Tynan Haintz kicked goals for the Tigers, but Navarre continued to control the contest.
Rickard added another major before the Grasshoppers finished the day with two late goals to seal a convincing victory.
Rickard was a constant threat in attack with four goals, while Riley Bibby contributed three and led strongly from the front.
Angus Bade was outstanding and earned best-on-ground honours, while Perry, Oliver Notting, and Daniel Reading were also prominent contributors.
For Lexton, Thomas Cullinan, Thomas McGregor, Billy Briody, Will Maconachie, and Kennedy battled hard throughout the afternoon, but the Tigers struggled to generate enough consistent forward pressure against a disciplined Navarre outfit.