Myrtleford 4.2, 5.4, 7.10, 8.13.61.
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Yarrawonga 2.4, 3.4, 5.5, 6.6.42.
Goals: Myrtleford: M. Dalbosco, L. Dale, J. Muraca, M. Waite, R. Sharp, W. Wales, M. Owers, D. Bren.
Yarrawonga: B. Frauenfelder 2, M. Casey, R. Bruce, T. Lovell, L. Masters.
Best: Myrtleford: B. Sharp, M. Dalbosco, K. Michelini, D. Simpson, M. Dussin, D. Chellew.
Yarrawonga: L. Masters, H. Wheeler, T. Lovell, J. Tonna, L. Howe, H. Haley.
The trip to the hills in the second half of the year is never an easy task and that is regardless of where the Myrtleford Saints sit on the Ovens and Murray ladder.
However, in a year where the Saints are in a heavy weight way and battling for the double chance, this bus trip up the mountain was next level.
Add to that the loss of the side’s best player in Coach Whiley via a knee injury sustained in the previous match at home against the Wodonga Raiders and Tom Cruise probably should have given up Wimbledon and headed to McNamara Reserve as clearly this was the next Mission Impossible.
Whilst from the sidelines looked well grassed and bathed in beautiful sunshine it was a genuinely heavy track with undoubtedly a rating of 9 – 10.
This meant the rucking duels of Dawson-Simpson V the twin towers of Howe and Welsh took on even more importance. First blood was struck by the Pigeons with Casey finding space and finishing truly.
From there it was a slog through the midfield for the majority of the quarter. Eventually, Myrtleford were able to hit the scoreboard scoring four goals for the quarter to gain the ascendancy.
However, the ball ended the term in Lach Howe’s hands with a chance to bring the margin back to under one straight kick, but it was not to be with Howe’s shot only registering a minor score.The second was much like the first with neither side able find to space or score easily. Both sides were only able to kick one major each for the term.
The second half began with Dawson-Simpson obtaining the ascendancy in the ruck providing his midfield brigade first use and placing the Pigeon midfield on the back foot.
Whilst the young Pigeons’ aggression and willingness to compete could not be questioned their ball use and decision making at times hurt.
In fact, if it was not for the Saints’ wastefulness in front of the big sticks the margin at the final break may have been larger.
The last quarter was again a goal apiece and both teams almost looked relieved when the siren went to end a tough slog.
For the Pigeons Masters was clearly their best even though he was thrown all over the ground in an effort to try and give the Pigeons a lift.
Wheeler, Sexton and Griffiths kept persisting all day through the midzone but could not get first hands on the ball often enough and when they did they were wrapped up by the Saints’ pressure.
Max Hemphill showed some good signs after earning an opportunity through consistent football at 2nd XIII level.
Wheaton had a good contest matched up against one of the best medium forwards in the league in Lachie Dale and Tyler Lovell was strong in the contest all day.
Reserves
Myrtleford 3.8.26 defeated by Yarrawonga 11.8.74.
With injuries and unavailablity Coach Grinter was set a hard task but one his resurgent reserves were ready for.
The 1st quarter was a tight tussel and if was not for Coach Grinter himself prowling the front half, the margin might have been greater.
O’Dywer was set a big task early matched to O’Shea and he handled the role well.
Forge and Cuppens through the midzone put to good use the continued good form of Tyson in the ruck.
Up from the thirds Coghill, Hemphill, Surrey and Kyal Tyson played their roles, but it was almost a waiting game until Xavier Leslie strode onto the field in a game stealing cameo of three goals only to leave it almost as quickly as he entered it.
The strong win placed the seconds into the top three and with a fellow final contender in Wangaratta Rovers this weekend another victory is vital to securing the double chance come September.
Goals: J. Adkins 3, M. Grinter 3, X. Leslie 3, O. Conway, B. Symes.
Best: J. Forge, J. O’’Dwyer, Z. Cuppens, B. Schofield, B. Tyson, H. Meade.
Thirds
Myrtleford 8.11.59 defeated Yarrawonga 4.2.26.
The contest between these two underage teams was a vital match for the 2021 Pigeon thirds.
On a heavy Myrtleford oval, a win and the young Pigeons were alive and kicking in 2021, a loss and they would almost be certainly finished for the year.
The Pigeons were again well served by Kyal Tyson in the ruck. Hemphil and Surrey continued their strong seasons working up and down the field while Frauenfelder and Shaw were excellent across the back half.
Eventually the young Pigeons succumbed to the class of the Myrtleford top liners who able to link up at times in the second half to take the game away from a valiant squad.
Goals: B. Coghill 2, K. Tyson, H. Surrey.
Best: K. Tyson, S. Hemphill, J. Shaw, Z. Howard, N. Pendergast, B. Coghill.
Pigeons Loft
Last weekend we faced off against Myrtleford for the inaugural Mental Health Challenge Shield.
The series of matches celebrated mental health awareness, promoted the importance of reaching out for support when needed and through awareness reducing the stigma of being mentally unwell. Guest speakers Glenn Manton and Lauren Jackson highlighted this and spoke about key mentors in their lives who have supported them.
The Pigeons congratulate the Saints on such a wonderful initiative and their hard work in an area that is increasingly important within our clubs.
Lastly, with 4 wins from 7 matches, we came home with the shield too!
Best players: 1sts: Masters, 2nds: Forge, 3rds: Tyson.
A: Sennini, B: Seymour, C: McNamara, U17: Hemphill.
This weekend at the Grove Oval we welcome the Wangaratta Rovers in what we hope will be a series of great contests.
After the game upstairs the real rumble will begin with a special “Fight Night” hosted by our social committee. All welcome!
Pigeon Con was struggling for a joke on the bus trip home, he settled on: Did you hear about the mathematician who is afraid of negative numbers… He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.
Pigeon Con was relegated to the small bus for the trip home