Soccer
5 June, 2026
Falcons soar above rivals in Western Highway derby
The Horsham Falcons' under 17s returned from their bye with purpose and precision, producing a composed and disciplined performance to overcome local rivals Grampians United in the latest chapter of the Western Highway derby.
Entering the match fourth on the ladder and eager to reassert themselves in the finals race, Horsham delivered a display defined by control, maturity, and a clear tactical identity – the kind of derby performance that reinforces belief both inside the squad and across the wider club community.
From the opening whistle the Falcons dictated the tempo, pressing intelligently, moving the ball with confidence and denying United any meaningful time in possession.
Their early dominance set the tone for the afternoon, and as the match unfolded Horsham’s structure and work rate ensured they remained firmly in command of the contest.
With ladder implications adding weight to the occasion, the Falcons embraced the moment, rising above their rivals in a fixture that often shapes the narrative of the season.
In what can only be described as a dominant display, the Falcons produced an attacking masterclass, finding the back of the net ten times in a performance that underlined their firepower and confidence.
The mercurial Jasper Javier was simply unstoppable, delivering an extraordinary five‑goal haul that left the Grampians United defence with no answers.
His movement, composure and instinct around goal set the tone for the afternoon and provided the spark that ignited Horsham’s attacking rhythm.
Equally impressive was William Abrahams, who carried his momentum from the earlier under 14s fixture – where he scored four – straight into the derby, adding another four goals to complete a remarkable personal tally of eight for the day.
His work rate, positioning and finishing touch showcased the depth of talent emerging through the Falcons’ junior ranks and highlighted the club’s growing strength across age groups.
However, the Grampians United players gave their travelling supporters something to cheer, finding not only their first but also their second goal of the season.
Their determination was rewarded with two well‑taken finishes, and despite the 10-2 scoreline, the performance reflected the steady improvement being made by the Ararat‑based squad.
Their willingness to compete, press forward and take their chances when they came was a clear sign of a group continuing to develop and grow in confidence.
Under 14s
However, there was heartbreak in the earlier under 14s' match against the third‑placed Warrnambool Wolves Yellow side after the young Falcons stunned their highly rated opponents with the first three goals of the contest.
Their intensity, pressure and willingness to take the game on had the Wolves rattled, and although Warrnambool struck back with one of their own, Horsham responded immediately.
A fourth goal from the in‑form William Abrahams – his fourth of what would become an exceptionally productive day – restored the Falcons’ momentum and sent them into the break leading 4-1, with every possibility of a major upset brewing.
In a replay of the previous week’s match against Hamilton, the young Falcons ran out of steam after the break, allowing Warrnambool to work their way back into the contest with three quick‑fire goals immediately after the resumption of play.
With the game deadlocked heading into the final five minutes, it appeared destined to finish as another hard‑earned draw.
However, the Wolves managed to strike twice late to secure all three points.
Despite the heartbreak, the performance again highlighted the genuine improvement within this Horsham side – a group now showing they have the quality and resilience to trouble any opponent they face.
Coming up
Looking ahead, both Horsham sides will enjoy a well‑timed break over the long weekend, with the league pausing for state championships.
After the enforced rest, the Falcons will return home to Dudley Cornell Park for an important double‑header.
The seventh‑placed under 14s will be eager to bounce back from two heartbreaking results when they face bottom‑placed Port Fairy – a fixture that could all but consign the visitors to the foot of the table for the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, the fourth‑placed under 17s prepare for a marquee clash against the second‑placed Warrnambool Wolves in a matchup that has the potential to shape the top four as the competition enters its second half.
With confidence high after their derby triumph, the Falcons will see this as a crucial opportunity to strengthen their finals credentials.