Bulldogs pounce on Pigeons

Bulldogs pounce on Pigeons

Yarrawonga’s A Grade netballers were left to rue a costly third quarter after going down 52-42 to an in-form Wodonga outfit in a battle for top spot.

The Bulldogs entered the contest full of confidence following their impressive victory over reigning premiers Raiders the previous weekend. However, it was the Pigeons who made the better start, taking a one-goal lead into the first break.

Veteran shooter Bridget Cassar was moving strongly and combining beautifully with Maddy Allan, while wing attack Gemma Muldoon cleverly found space to open up the attacking angles.

Captain Laura Irvine led from the front throughout the match, providing tremendous effort, communication and leadership as the Pigeons looked to maintain their early advantage.

However, the momentum swung dramatically in the third quarter.

The Pigeons’ intensity and focus dropped away as Wodonga began scoring quickly and consistently. A lack of defensive pressure on the rebound made it difficult to create turnovers, allowing the Bulldogs to move the ball rapidly down the court.

When turnovers were created, the Pigeons struggled to provide the necessary drive out of defence, resulting in their lowest-scoring quarter of the game. The 16-4 third-quarter scoreline ultimately proved decisive.

To their credit, the Pigeons dug deep in the final term and produced a terrific display of netball, working harder in attack and lifting their defensive pressure.

Hannah Symes and Maisee Pell found their rhythm in defence, benefiting from much stronger hands-over pressure further up the court as Yarrawonga fought back strongly.

Despite the loss, the performance showed the Pigeons remain a team capable of beating the best sides in the competition when they bring the required intensity, focus and teamwork for all four quarters.

Awards: Maisee Pell and Laura Irvine

B Grade

Score: Yarrawonga 34 def Wodonga 27

Yarrawonga B Grade dug deep to record a hard-fought 34-27 victory over Wodonga Bulldogs in a thrilling contest that went right down to the final quarter.

Having suffered a loss the last time the two sides met, Yarrawonga knew they were in for a tough challenge and were forced to work for every goal in a fiercely contested match.

The game remained neck and neck throughout the opening three quarters, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage.

Briar Rodaughan was outstanding in the shooting circle, delivering a match-winning performance with 23 of Yarrawonga’s 34 goals and providing a reliable target under pressure.

With the match on the line in the final term, Yarrawonga lifted another level. The midcourt stood tall when it mattered most, with Emily McNamara and pocket rocket Kristy Davis producing several crucial intercepts through centre court to halt Wodonga’s momentum and create valuable scoring opportunities.

The Pigeons’ determination and teamwork proved the difference in the closing stages as they held firm to secure an impressive seven-goal victory, 34-27, over a quality Wodonga Bulldogs outfit.

C Grade

Score: Yarrawonga 41 def Wodonga 34

The C Grade Pigeons faced a tough and nail-biting contest against the Bulldogs this week.

Wodonga made the better start, breaking away early to take an 11-6 lead at quarter time. However, the Pigeons didn’t back down and fought hard in the second quarter, lifting their defensive pressure right across the court.

The Pigeons won the second term and narrowed the margin, with the score sitting at 21-19 at half time.

The Bulldogs continued to challenge in the third quarter, keeping the game incredibly close at 30-29 heading into the final break.

With everything to play for, the Pigeons found another gear in the final quarter and broke away to finish strongly, securing an impressive 41-34 victory.

Best on Court: Shari

Shari’s outstanding defensive pressure and constant communication with her teammates were key factors in the Pigeons’ win. Her ability to lift those around her and maintain the defensive intensity was fantastic to watch.

Coach’s Award: Montanah

Montanah was recognised for her excellent work in the ring, creating opportunities and converting those all-important shots at goal. Her stamina and determination throughout the final quarter were exceptional.

Under 17s

Score: Wodonga 53 def Yarrawonga 38

The Yarrawonga Under 17 girls produced a determined performance against a strong and physical Wodonga Bulldogs outfit.

The Bulldogs started strongly, taking a 16-11 lead at quarter time, but the Pigeons continued to fight hard and remained within reach throughout the game.

Wodonga lifted the intensity in the final quarter to secure the win, but there were plenty of positives for Yarrawonga to take from the contest.

Lila Henley produced an outstanding four-quarter effort at Goal Shooter, showing plenty of grit and resilience to finish with an impressive 29 goals.

Evie Henley and Sienna Clarkson continued to build a strong defensive combination, creating numerous turnovers and receiving great support from the midcourt.

Jedda Driscoll was unfortunately forced from the court after a head knock but has been cleared of concussion and is expected to return against Albury.

Under 15s

Score: Wodonga 55 def Yarrawonga 35

Yarrawonga took on ladder leaders Wodonga Bulldogs this week and produced a fantastic first half of netball.

The girls put their set plays into action beautifully, worked together as a team and showed great composure against a strong opposition.

The warmer conditions began to take their toll in the second half, allowing Wodonga to build its lead. Despite this, the girls continued to fight hard and there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

Overall, it was a really strong performance against the competition’s top side, with the team showing plenty of improvement, teamwork and determination.

Players’ Player: Sophia Connell

Coaches’ Award: Makayla George