Wodonga: 1.3, 2.4, 3.6, 6.7: 43
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Yarrawonga: 1.1, 4.2, 8.4, 10.6: 66
Goals: Wodonga: E. Boxall 2, C. Howells, H. O’Neill, M. Way.
Yarrawonga: B. Coghill 2, N. Fothergill 2, J. Hargreaves 2, M. McCabe 2, M. Casey 1.
Best: Wodonga: Archer Scammell, Nick Bracher, Ethan Boxall, Charlie St John, Will Fordham, Nelson Bowey.
Yarrawonga: Cameron Wilson, Michael Gibbons, Ned Pendergast, Max Findlay, Nicholas Fothergill, Ben Coghill.
Pigeons Return to Form with Gritty Win on the Road
Yarrawonga has snapped a four-game losing streak in determined fashion, notching a 23-point win over Wodonga Raiders in Round 9 of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League.
The result at Birallee Park was the Pigeons’ first victory in six weeks and a timely response after a challenging month of football.
Despite missing key personnel, the group responded with a tough, team-oriented performance that reminded the competition of their quality.
Senior coach Leigh Williams was forced to watch from the sidelines due to a knee injury, with the influential Willie Wheeler also absent as he continues to recover from a second recent hamstring setback.
Yet, the Pigeons rose to the occasion, producing a disciplined and composed performance to get their season back on track.
“We were challenged early, they came out strong and had us under pressure,” Williams said.
“But after half-time we adjusted, got back to our game plan, and that 40-minute stretch after the main break really set the win up for us.”
Yarrawonga had taken a 10-point lead into half-time, but it was a dominant third quarter that proved the difference.
The midfield got on top, the defensive unit tightened up, and the forwards began to capitalise.
Leading the way was Cam Wilson, who delivered arguably his best performance of the season with 31 disposals and a relentless work rate around the contest.
He consistently gave the Pigeons forward momentum and was the driving force behind Yarrawonga’s second-half surge.
He was superbly supported by Michael Gibbons, who slotted seamlessly back into the side after a brief injury layoff.
Despite limited minutes, Gibbons gathered 26 touches, using the ball with his usual polish and creativity to open up the game.
In a welcome sight for Yarrawonga supporters, Harry Wheeler made his return from injury and immediately made an impact.
The tough midfielder collected 20 disposals, bringing physicality and a calming presence to the engine room.
Nick Fothergill was again among the best, continuing his consistent season with 21 disposals and two important goals.
His class with ball in hand and ability to hit the scoreboard were vital in what was a low-scoring contest.
Off half-back, Nick Irvine maintained his outstanding form, gathering 28 disposals and providing his usual drive and precision out of defence.
He read the play beautifully and was instrumental in repelling numerous forward entries.
Down back, Ned Pendergast was rock solid, getting back to some strong form with a composed and reliable performance under pressure.
He consistently put himself in the right positions and provided vital intercepts when the game was in the balance.
In the forward half, Max Findlay produced one of his most impactful games of the year.
His aggression, work rate, and forward pressure were standout features, with the energetic forward helping lock the ball inside 50 and creating scoring opportunities through sheer effort.
“It was a really encouraging performance,” Williams said.
“Cam set the tone, Gibbons was excellent, and it was great to have Harry back out there.
“But most importantly, it was a whole-team effort, everyone played their role and stuck to the task.”
The win lifts Yarrawonga to three wins, six losses, and keeps their season alive heading into the back half of the year.
With several key players working their way back to fitness and confidence starting to return, the Pigeons will now look to build some momentum.
The Senior Pigeons face another test next weekend when they host Albury at JC Lowe Oval, with the chance to make it two in a row and reignite their push for a finals berth.
Reserves
Wodonga 10.14: 74 def Yarrawonga 9.8: 62
The Yarrawonga Reserves went down against the Wodonga Raiders at Birralee Park by a narrow 12-points.
The Pigeons will be disappointed with the result after they fired out of the gun with a five goal to second first quarter which set up a handy quarter time lead.
Big man Andrew Dickens was the firestarter for the visitors, using his big frame to generate the Pigeons with early field position out of the ruck.
Bronson Schofield led from the front and was visibly eager to get the Pigeons off to a hot start.
Dylan Flanagan who was named the Pigeons best was electric early using his forward craftsmanship to out-manoeuvre his opponents whilst Ross Mulquiney had gone back in time, being the key link for the Pigeons between the midfield and the forward line.
Down back, Hunter Fraunfelder was showing great signs of a strong return to form with multiple efforts in the contest and rebound off half back.
Newcomer to the club Cooper Courtney has earnt great respect amongst the group with his commitment to the contest and tireless work rate.
Despite the early lead to the Pigeons, it was the Raiders who were able to claw back the margin to eventually hit the lead. In the end, the Raiders proved to have too much run in the legs to come away with the win.
Goals: A. Dickins 2, D. Flanagan 2, T. McKimmie 1, R. Mulquiney 1, J. Robinson 1, C. Tanner 1, D. Walsh-hall 1.
Best: Dylan Flanagan, Andrew Dickins, Bronson Schofield, Ross Mulquiney, Jack James, Hunter Frauenfelder.
Thirds
Wodonga 6.12: 48 def Yarrawonga 5.4: 34
Goals: S. Lawrence 2, M. Beer 1, A. Skehan 1, J. Warden 1.
Best: Samuel Bigger, Xavier Mitchell, Jordan Ibbott, Jayden Woodhead, Archie Skehan, Jack Warden.
Pigeons Loft
Football
It wasn’t the full-club bounce-back Yarrawonga had hoped for on the scoreboard, but the effort was there across the board.
The Pigeons Thirds and Reserves battled hard in close contests, with both games in the balance right until the final siren.
While they didn’t quite get the wins, the intent and competitiveness were clear.
Thankfully, the Senior side delivered when it counted, securing a much-needed victory with a strong four-quarter performance.
It was a win built on pressure, composure, and determination, one that keeps the Seniors finals hopes alive and builds crucial momentum heading into a tough stretch.
Netball
The Raiders proved strong across the courts, and while we didn’t walk away with any wins this round, both A Grade and B Grade pushed their opponents to the very end.
Both games were thrilling contests which showcased the Pigeons depth, fight, and refusal to give in.
Injuries and absences tested again, but the resilience of the club’s playing groups continue to shine through.
This week at home vs Albury
The Pigeons return to JC Lowe Oval this Saturday as the club hosts Albury in what shapes as a must-win for the Senior footballers, and a blockbuster day of netball.
Expect fierce competition across all grades, it’s a round you won’t want to miss.
Past Players and Officials Day – Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who joined the club for their Annual Past Players and Officials Day last home game.
The Bang Events marquee was buzzing, and it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces back at the club.
A proud and memorable occasion for all involved.
Memberships still available
Not a member yet, no problem, sign up at the Pigeons next home game or visit Hargraves, 16 Orr Street during the week.
Get on board and be part of something bigger.
Thank you to major partners: Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, RuralCo, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.
2025 awards proudly sponsored by: Yarrawonga Hotel, Wig Chop, and Mint Boutique.
Yarrawonga Chronicle