Junior Pigeons tough day

Wodonga Raiders Blue 1.2, 1.3, 2.4, 4.5.29.

Best: Ryder Briffa, Edward Mulquiney, Parker Cowan, Finnin George, Todd Lawless, Finn McDonald.

Sunday was an old school eight-point game, where the Pigeons hosted the third placed and undefeated Wodonga Raiders Blue at JC Lowe.

Pregame, coach Bigger quoted material written before the boys were born, inspiring and imploring the boys to work hard as a team, be disciplined and run hard.

The first quarter was a grind, and both sides found it hard to clear the ball from contests and get their running game going.

Lawson Kelly was providing a great contest against a much taller opponent in the ruck, Ryder Briffa, Jetta Oughton and Jack Bruce were in and under providing plenty of ball out to the runners.

Despite having plenty of the ball the Pigeons couldn’t put the score on the board.

Finn O’Brien, Ed Mulquinney were providing the link across half forward and a great pass in got TJ Ward the first shot on goal, however it floated across the face, with Raiders able to clear the ball.

The defence were like a brick wall throughout the quarter with Billy Vagg, Marley Bigger and Parker Cowan showing plenty of marking prowess but also drive and run moving the ball back into attack.

The second quarter saw the game open-up and the ball moved around the ground a lot more freely.

Cream on the cake, when Briffa went bang from 30m to slot the Pigeons fourth.

The forwards looked dangerous but also the backs were so strong ensuring the Raiders couldn’t score.

The third quarter started in a scrappy fashion but then the ball freed up and the side were able to play some really glitzy football.

Raiders however weren’t going to give up and put plenty of pressure on the Pigeons.

Pigeons were able to get up for a 13-point win that has them sitting third on the ladder, a game behind top placed Albury.

The toughest job for the day was to select the award getters as it was such a great team performance with every playing have their impact on the game.

Lots of special mentions in the rooms afterwards to all.

Awards: were Ryder Briffa, Ed Mulquinney, Todd Lawless, Finnin George, Finn McDonald and Elijah Buckingham.

Under 14s

Yarrawonga 1.0, 1.0, 2.1, 3.2.20.

Wodonga Bulldogs 1.1, 3.6, 3.9, 5.15.45.

Goals: Charlie Bourke 1, Mac Hargreaves 1, Benji Wollington 1.

Best: Taylan Renau, Harry Wren, Benji Wollington, Mac Hargreaves, Jordan Knight, Darby Bigger.

Under 16s

Yarrawonga 1.0, 1.2, 3.3, 5.6.36.

Wodonga Bulldogs 4.3, 12.5, 17.9, 22.9.141.

Goals: Lachlan Wren 3, Isaiah Benson 1, Billy Stevens 1.

Best: Jack Ibrahim, Cooper Clark, Sefanaia Bainikoro, Isaiah Benson, Lachlan Wren, Cameron Stephens.