Pigeons hold off striking Panthers

Goals: Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams 4, Bailey Frauenfelder 2, Matt Casey 1, Brayden Coburn 1, Nick Fothergill 1, Cam Wilson 1, Damien Wilson 1.

Lavington: Darcy Smith 3, Jake O’Brien 2, Tim Oosterhoff 2, Aidan Cook 1, Tim Hanna 1, Corby Robertson 1.

Best: Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams, Daniel Howe, Nicholas Fothergill, Perry Lewis-smith, Ned Pendergast, Harrison Wheeler.

Lavington: Jake O’Brien, Jack Costello, Nicholas Sedgwick, Jack Driscoll, Shaun Driscoll, Jesse Hart.

In cold, wet and slippery conditions, the Yarrawonga Pigeons have held off a brave Lavington at the JC Lowe Oval, downing the Panthers by 12 points.

Three players who relish wet conditions are Brayden Coburn, Cam Wilson and Tyler Lovell. The trio were all brought back into the Pigeons line-up for the round 11 clash.

The Pigeons began the game strongly, however were wayward in front of the big sticks and were only able to manage three goals from their 10 scoring shorts.

At the other end, the Panthers found goals through Smith and O’Brien to keep the scoreline at a respectable 12 points at the first change.

Wilson brothers Cam and Damien both hit the scoreboard whilst Brayden Coburn did not take long to get into the action either, booting through a goal from the set shot after a brilliant chase down tackle inside fifty.

The Panthers began the second quarter with great intent and were able to match the Pigeons on the inside whilst generating plenty of run on the outside.

Lavington’s Jake O’Brien produced an outstanding goal on the run from fifty meters out which gave his team a real lift.

However, the Pigeons quickly flexed their muscles as the big guns in Leigh Williams and Nick Fothergill began to have an impact forward of centre. The pair kicked a hat-trick of goals within the space of two minutes with Williams kicking two of the three.

Five minutes later, Williams marked strongly inside fifty again. The power forward kicked his third goal before half time and seemed as though he was playing in dry conditions whilst everyone else was in the wet.

The Pigeons held a healthy 22-point lead the main break given the conditions however remained focus on the job at hand and knew the Panthers would throw everything at them in the second half.

Yet again, Perry Lewis Smith and Daniel Howe were outstanding contributors for the Pigeons, winning their fair share of the ball and launching a number of forward attacks. The Pigeons midfield would need to dig extra deep in the second half, as star on baller Willie Wheeler was ruled out of the game with a nasty nose injury that would admit him to hospital.

The Pigeons and Panthers exchanged blows for the majority of the third quarter but a late goal to Smith of the Panthers reduced that margin down to 16-points and gave the visitors real belief at the final change.

The first goal was crucial in the context of the game and when Smith of the Panthers kicked his third goal in the early minutes of the final quarter, things became quite interesting at the JC Lowe Oval.

As the pressure heat up in the contest, the Panthers continued to grow in confidence as Aidan Cook goaled and cut the margin down to an ominous 4-points.

But as good teams do, they respond when it matters most. The Pigeons were able to find that extra gear to keep the Panthers at arms reach.

Premier goal kickers in Williams and Frauenfelder were able to slam the door shut on any chance the Panthers may have had of winning the game.

The Pigeons banking the all important four points and will now quickly turn their attention to an in-form Myrtleford outfit who will be on the hunt for a big scalp.

Reserves

Yarrawonga 11.3.69 def Lavington 6.8.44.

The Yarrawonga Reserves have taken another step forward in the revival of their 2024 season, with a strong win against the fourth placed Lavington Panthers.

The Pigeons had their colours lowered at the hands of the Panthers in round two and were eager to turn that result around in the round 11 clash.

The Pigeons were fortunate enough to gain some quality into their line-up as Jess Koopman, Kyal Tyson and Lochie Forge came into the starting 21 in a real boost to the team.

The Panthers began the game far better than the Pigeons, catching them off guard with the first two goals of the game.

Lavington were able to slice through the Pigeons defence who were a fraction unorganised early in proceedings.

Brock McCabe took matters into his own hands as he produced a superb 10 minutes of football which turned the tide in favour of the Pigeons. McCabe’s ability to execute the basics was evident as he floated forward from the wing to kick two important goals. Yarrawonga kicked three unanswered goals to hold a 5-point advantage at quarter time.

The Pigeons began to play the game on their terms thanks to some brilliant ruck work from big man Kyal Tyson. Tyson broke open the game with his physical presence, clearing the path for his midfielders to go to work.

Will Robinson, Lochie Forge and Jess Koopman took full advantage of this as they started to have a big say on the game.

Fraser Haintz was playing a fantastic negating role on one of Lavington’s prime movers and his work his impact on the game was a profound one for his team.

Hunter Frauenfelder was swung back forward this week and produced two important goals when the team needed it most.

The Pigeons were able to overpower the Panthers in a win that has put them into the top five for the first time this season.

After starting the season 0-4, Yarrawonga have built momentum through a strong buy-in from the playing group, who are enjoying and embracing each challenge as it comes.

The challenges will continue to come for the Reserves as they have another desperately important game ahead of them against Myrtleford.

A victory to the Pigeons would dramatically increase their chances of playing finals and if the playing list can stay healthy, anything is possible.

Goals: Hunter Frauenfelder 2, Jess Koopman 2, Brock McCabe 2, Will Robinson 2, Daniel Clarke 1, Lochie Forge 1, Kyal Tyson 1.

Best: Lochie Forge, Reid Clarke, Jess Koopman, Kyal Tyson, Will Robinson, Fraser Haintz.

Thirds

Yarrawonga 1.4, 2.4, 3.4, 4.4.28.

Lavington 2.1, 6.4, 9.7, 10.10.70.

Goals: Yarrawonga: Jack Eales 2, Mitch Parker 1, Griffin Surrey 1.

Lavington: Noah Edmunds 4, Riley Costello 3, Jack Phegan 2, Thomas McGrath 1.

Best: Yarrawonga: Xavier Mitchell, Mitchell Parker, Patrick Waugh, Blake Keenes, Zac Forge, Ryder Stevens.

Lavington: Thomas Goonan, Harryson Barber, Oliver Hutchins, Jack Phegan, Sonny Junck, Carson Way.

The Pigeon Loft

The YFNC’s 4th match at the JC Lowe Oval this year saw the Pigeons hosting the Panthers.

Whilst the youngest Pigeons missed out on the wins in the first two games (the 3rds and U15s) all the other Pigeons secured their wins, both games of footy and the 4 remaining netball matches.

The day will not go down in the annals of country footy and netty but wins are wins and 6 from 8 is a good day. Thanks to Martin Casey it was warm in the Godfather Stand though!

Last week we paused to acknowledge excellent contributions to the YFNC, in particular, from some experienced stars helping the 2nd XVIII.

Well as luck would have it, one of those stars, Craig Ednie, was formally announced as being inducted into the Ovens and Murray Hall of Fame.

Craig’s career for the Pigeons has encompassed many roles, from star player, to coach to now involved in helping the club more in the background and as an assistant coach. Anyone that would like to come along to Craig’s evening in Albury please make contact with the club or Craig ASAP (the induction will be held in Albury on Wednesday, July 24).

This weekend we welcome our friends from the foot of Alpine region, Myrtleford.

The A-Grade netball at 1pm is set to be cracker. In the corresponding match the Saints delivered a resounding loss to the Pigeons and undoubtedly, the A-Graders will be looking to even the ledger.

In the 3rd XVIII the match it was Leigh Masters and Matt O’Dwyer’s first win as coaches and I am sure they are looking for another.

Next Saturday, July 13 at the clubrooms, the YFNC are hosting its inaugural race night. The Fashions on the Field are strictly Op-Shop and the racing sure to be fast and most certainly close.

If the rumours are true and Betr’s live quaddie is Pearn, Pearn, Pearn and Pearn - it surely can’t be missed… Check out our socials for more.

We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, betr, RuralCo, the Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and BG Finance.

Thursday Nights

In Season 2024 our Thursday Night Teas will continue each Thursday night before an Ovens and Murray match.

Awards – Football - 1sts - Leigh Williams. 2nds - Reid Clarke. 3rds - Xavier Mitchell.

Awards – Netball

These awards in 2024 will again be brought to by the Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle and Mint Boutique.