Ben Lawless gets in good position for this mark.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
Yarrawonga 12.12 (84) def EMU's 4.5 (29)
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The Yarrawonga Masters returned home to JC Lowe Oval for Round 5, taking on the EMU (Echuca Moama United Masters Football Club) once again in the latest chapter of the Battle of the Birds rivalry.
Before the first bounce, both clubs took time to recognise the incredible efforts of Neale Daniher and the impact he has had in raising awareness and funds for MND while continuing his own battle with the disease.
Ben Kerwyn links up well for the Masters.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
In a fitting tribute, both the Pigeons and EMU’s wore blue armbands and gathered together in MND beanies for a combined team photo before the game.
With bragging rights on the Murray up for grabs, both sides were eager to get the upper hand.
The opening quarter was a tight affair, with both teams looking a little sluggish early.
Nathan Bibby kicks the ball forward for the Masters.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
One note from the coaches box suggested the Pigeons looked like they were playing in slow motion at times, but fortunately Longy was wide awake.
The dominant big man got Yarra off to the perfect start, kicking all three of the Pigeons' first-quarter goals.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Pigeons lifting their pressure around the ground and beginning to gain the upper hand. While the contest remained tight, Yarra headed into the main break with a handy lead. Longy continued to wreak havoc inside 50, adding another three goals, while Blocka and Trent Russell chipped in with majors of their own.
With the first-half rust now gone, the Pigeons came out after half-time looking far more polished.
Ball movement improved dramatically, with great use of handball and switching of play allowing Yarra to control possession and open up the ground. Benny and Brett Harding were rewarded with the only two goals of the third quarter as the Pigeons tightened their grip on the contest.
The final term was where Yarrawonga finally broke the game open. The work rate across the ground lifted another level as the Pigeons began to out-run the EMU’s. Brett Harding once again looked to have the ball on a string, while Longy capped off a dominant afternoon with another three goals.
His nine-goal haul was one of the finest individual performances seen in Masters football this season and proved the difference between the two sides.
At the final siren, Yarrawonga had secured a convincing 12.12 (84) to 4.5 (29) victory, reclaiming bragging rights on the Murray and continuing their strong season.
A special thank you goes to everyone who helped make the home game possible. Carmel and Jill kept the bar running smoothly, Dexter handled scoreboard duties, while Ruddy, Jezza and Jye officiated throughout the afternoon.
Yarra now look forward to the biggest road trip in Masters football, travelling to Traralgon on June 13th to take on the Gippsland Tigers.
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