Yarrawonga 7.4, 13.8, 20.13, 25.19.169
Wodonga Raiders 3.2, 4.3, 5.3, 5.3.33
Major goalkickers: M Casey 8, L Williams 5, W Wheeler 2, D Wilson 2.
Best: L Howe, M Casey, P Lewis-Smith, L Williams, W Wheeler, N Irvine.
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The Yarrawonga Pigeons have secured a comprehensive victory in a demolition job at the JC Lowe Oval, defeating the Wodonga Raiders by a monstrous 136 points on Saturday.
Key forward Matt Casey had a day out, kicking eight majors, while his partner in crime Leigh Williams snared five.
Fielding their strongest team of the year to date, the Pigeons went into the clash against the Raiders choc-full of confidence to win and win well. However, they knew they must not take the Raiders lightly especially coming off the bye which can often prove to be a down week for some teams. Four big inclusions were added back into the line-up this week – captain Leigh Masters, Kyal Tyson, Willie Wheeler and Lach Howe – in a huge boost for the team.
The Pigeons were sharp and switched on early in the contest, arguably putting the game to bed by the end of the first quarter.
A seven goal to three start was just what coach Steve Johnson would have liked to see from his troops. Casey and Williams were both firing early with two majors each while Bailey Frauenfelder, Michael Gibbons and Geoff Montgomery all chimed in with one each. This was Montgomery’s first of his senior career at the Pigeons and his teammates flocked to him from all angles to celebrate with the defender.
The Pigeons kept the foot on the throttle in the second quarter, piling on a further six goals to the Raiders’ one. Lach Howe, Willie Wheeler, Cam Wilson and Perry Lewis-Smith were all dominant in their respective positions, pushing the game forward for Yarrawonga.
It was clear that Yarrawonga were eager to send a message to the rest of the competition that they can win big and put opposition sides completely away, something the Pigeons have not done as much as they would have liked over the past 24 months.
The Pigeons were ultra-impressive with the way they went about the second half. After the Raiders kicked the opening goal of the third quarter, Yarrawonga then went on to kick 12 unanswered goals to finish the game. A great sign for the club that this group of players are hungry and eager to stay atop of the mountain in 2024.
Matt Casey achieved a personal best eight goals in a standout effort. Casey is working his way into the season beautifully and continues to be a strong presence in the front half for Yarrawonga.
Lewis-Smith was the pick of the midfielders, amassing a game high 37 disposals to go along with his two goals.
Reserves big win
Yarrawonga 4.6, 7.8, 13.12, 16.17.113
Wodonga Raiders 0.1, 2.1, 3.2, 3.2.20
Major goalkickers: R Mulquiney 5, H Frauenfelder 3, J Koopman 2, T Muldoon 2.
Best: H Frauenfelder, L Forge, R Mulquiney, R Clarke, M Grinter, B McCabe.
The Yarrawonga Reserves have continued their winning form with another big win, this time over the Wodonga Raiders. The Pigeons fielded their strongest team yet and it paid handsome dividends running away 93-point winners.
The Pigeons jumped out of the blocks fast, booting through the first four goals of the game. Although starting fast, Yarrawonga had an opportunity to put a bigger score on the board however missed some gettable chances in front of the big sticks early.
Youngsters in Hunter Frauenfelder and Lochie Forge were both outstanding contributors for the Pigeons throughout the entire afternoon. The pair, both with senior experience so far this season, had a plethora of football and were involved in a number of forward attacks.
Ross Mulquiney, playing in his 300th club game, started the game at halfback however it didn’t take the coaches long to realise that the veteran should be up forward in his big milestone game. Mulquiney featured in the best with five majors in only three quarters of football up forward.
The Pigeons welcomed back Tom McKimmie and Todd Muldoon from injury, which was an added boost for the squad, while senior premiership player Brayden Coburn made the trip down from Narrandera to play in his first game of the season.
‘Bobcat’ took little time to find his feet, racking up a stack of the Sherrin throughout the afternoon. Matt Grinter and Brock McCabe showed their class around the ground with the both finding some handy form at this stage of the season.
The Pigeons are now looking to build some momentum after the slow start to the season. They will now face their biggest test against Albury, who are the reigning premiers in the Reserve Grade.
With some handy inclusions still to come into the line-up, the Pigeons will fancy their chances of serving it right up to the Tigers over on their home deck in NSW.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 2.1, 6.3, 7.4, 8.5.53
Wodonga Raiders 7.1, 8.2, 12.5, 18.6.114
Goalkickers: M Parker, J Eales, Z Forge, X Mitchell, R Stevens, S Bigger.
Best: M Parker 4, J Eales 2, Z Forge, A Skehan.
Under 16s
Bye
Under 14s
Yarrawonga 45 lost to St Patricks 72
Goalkickers: Darcy Skehan 2, Mac Hargreaves 2, Billy Stevens, Harry Wren, Taylan Renau.
Awards: Club Award Jack Ibrahim, YMH Socks Mac Hargreaves, Wingates, Kia Petit.
Another beautiful day for football on Sunday saw our U14s travel to Xavier High School in Albury to take on an impressive St Pats. From the word go our ever-improving U14 Pigeons took to the challenge with enthusiasm but were unable to match the size and drive of the St Pats outfit.
It was a game that had some ups and downs from our end and, to the credit of the boys, they went out in the final term and put together some terrific passages of play to fight it out till the end.
Some great linkup footy and centre clearance work enabled us to convert on the scoreboard late in the game and give us some positive areas to work on in the coming weeks.
Dec Reeves was relentless in the ruck and when asked to go down back he beat his opponent at every contest, providing plenty of drive out of the backline. Jack Ibrahim worked hard again all day.
Harry Wren took the U14 mark of the year so far and was thoughtful enough to do it directly in front of the coach's box, giving us front row seats to the hanger.
A few others that deserve mention were Ned Saunders, Lach Cruikshank and Jai Webster, who ran to the contest all day and worked hard against the odds.
Ollie Seal also gave creative options when his time came, at times playing on an opponent twice his size.
Kai Pettit also had his best game for the year with some reliable play and he is growing in confidence every week.
Happy Mothers’ Day to all our wonderful mums and let’s enjoy a week off next weekend.
Under 12s
Yarrawonga 7.6.48 defeated Wodonga Raiders Blue 6.5.41
Goals: Jetta Oughton, Benji Wollington, Ed Mulquiney, Harper Buckingham, Angus Looby, Oscar Leary, Dane Bromley.
Best: Benji Wollington, Jetta Oughton, Harper Buckingham, Todd Lawless.
In an action-packed U12s footy clash against Wodonga Raiders Blue, Yarrawonga showcased their skills on the field, kicking four in the first term.
Jetta Oughton's commanding presence in the midfield was undeniable, as he tirelessly ran the plays and even rewarded himself with a great goal.
Benji Wollington's resilience shone throughout the match, consistently creating options for his team and demonstrating toughness in every contest.
Harper Buckingham's versatility was on full display, anchoring the defence and seamlessly rotating forward when needed, adding depth to Yarrawonga's gameplay.
Meanwhile, Todd Lawless emerged as a dominant force, making significant contributions and playing a pivotal role in the team's strategy.
Yarrawonga's cohesive effort and AFL-like passages of play through the likes of Elliot Tresize and Dayne Bromley, were key in securing the win.
The entire team displayed determination and resilience, battling hard throughout the game, ultimately clinching a well-deserved seven-point victory and setting a strong foundation for future matches.
Pigeons Loft
Thank you to the Wodonga Raiders for helping the YFNC launch an awareness campaign in relation to family and gender-based violence.
Last Thursday the club was privileged to hear from family violence advocate Bec Jones with a message enlightening for all. Further, it was wonderful to see the sea of white shirts surrounding the A Grade ladies before their match.
Also, a special mention to Maddy Allan for speaking so eloquently on the day.
The A Grade match was also a significant milestone match with Anna Grinter (Bourke) playing her 300th club match.
Anna’s playing record … well, of her 300 games 226 have been in the A Grade team, she has played nine grand finals winning six. The only time she has not played deep into finals has been when the competition was in recess due to Covid. Congratulations Anna.
This week we head up the river to take on our modern-day rival, the Albury Tigers. It is 10 years ago that the last of six grand finals in a row between the Tigers and Pigeons was held. Those years produced some fierce matches. Let’s hope Saturday is another great addition to the rivalry.
Saturday night following our trip to Albury, the YFNC will hold its annual ball at ClubMulwala. It is sure to be a great night. Make sure you get in contact and book your tickets – if you get in quick, I am sure there will be a ticket to get. Also, if you have not got your membership they are available at Hargraves during business hours: 16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga.
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 Matt Casey
2nds Jess Koopman
3rds Jack Eales
Awards – Netball
These awards in 2024 will again be brought to by the Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle and Mint Boutique.
Important Dates:
May 18 – Annual Club Ball at Club Mulwala
June 8 – Annual Past Players Function at the JC Lowe Oval (noon)
Yarrawonga Chronicle