In the most icy and miserable conditions we’ve seen all year, the A graders certainly had their work cut out for them, coming up against a firing Tigers outfit on their home court.
The girls kept their composure for the majority of the game leading at every change although the Albury team made them work hard for every elusive goal.
Laura Irvine and Caitlin O’Dwyer were fantastic in the forward third, creating numerous opportunities for turnovers thanks to their defensive style of play, and Bridget Cassar proved to be a strong target under the ring.
The final term saw the score line see-saw multiple times and in the end, the Tigers came out on top when the whistle was blown.
Best – Laura Irvine and Caitlin O’Dwyer.
B Grade
Albury 40 defeated by Yarrawonga 47
As the top-placed B grade girls took on the ninth-placed Tigers, they were always going to be firm favourites.
The wet and windy conditions certainly proved difficult for both teams and the avenues to goal were further reduced in the absence of Bridget Cassar, who was required in the A grade team this week.
The girls got themselves out to a good lead by half time, but the fight wasn’t out of the Albury team just yet, who proved difficult to shake off in the last half.
The calm fight of Kaitlyn Cummins in the centre and strong hands of Jayanna Sharp in defense were best for the Pigeons, while Abbey Jones and Laura Gorman combined well in the forward third.
All in all, a good win which sees them retain top spot by six premiership points.
Best – Kaitlyn Cummins and Jayanna Sharp.
C Grade
Albury 25 defeated by Yarrawonga 35
The ever-evolving C grade line up was missing Eliza York in goals this week but was able to adapt to the wintry day as well as could be expected to come away with a great win.
The regular line-up was joined very ably by a couple of strong juniors in Tess Byrne and Macey Hicks, both of whom proved their worth in the wet and windy conditions with plenty of run and jump all over the court.
Tayla Bogle and Maddie Kennedy battled hard all day in goals, while best-on-court Caitlin McNamara combined well with co-coach Zoe Jones through the centre to provide plenty of drive and turnovers.
The third quarter was by far their best and a great win on the board to keep them well clear in the top three with only 2 games left of the season.
Best – Caitlin McNamara and Zoe Jones.
Under 16s
Albury 33 defeated Yarrawonga 30
In sub-zero, misty-rain and frosty conditions for the earliest game of the day, the youngest Pigeons girls absolutely took up the challenge against the more-fancied Tigers, with an explosive first quarter seeing them ahead and confidence was high.
This team has improved exponentially in the second half of the season, with minimal errors and a great team atmosphere contributing to a close game yet again.
All players on the court gave this game their all, so much so that it was difficult to choose a best on court.
At the final whistle, it was Albury by 3, but a fantastic effort by all of the young Pigeons.