Goals: Wodonga: Ethan Redcliffe 2, Jacob Barber 1, Harry Jones 1, Kade Mimmo 1.
Yarrawonga: Nick Fothergill 3, Mark Whiley 2, Ryan Einsporn 1, Michael Gibbons 1, Harry Wheeler 1, Jack Sexton 1, Will Sexton 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1.
Best: Wodonga: Harry Jones, Angus Baker, Joshua Mathey, Josh Clayton, Michael Driscoll, Alex Smout.
Yarrawonga: Logan Morey, Nick Fothergill, Jack Sexton, Ryan Einsporn, Michael Gibbons, Harrison Wheeler.
History would suggest that if you’re a Pigeons player travelling to Martin Park, you need to be prepared to fight tooth and nail for a victory. The weekend proved no different for Yarrawonga, as they were forced to work overtime to eventually overhaul the Wodonga Bulldogs by 44 points.
The Pigeons began the contest with ample opportunities to put the Dogs on the back foot however only managed to boot through the one major in the first term which came from the Coach Mark Whiley.
In a quarter that both sides would not like to watch again, Leigh Masters and Logan Morey looked a class above with their aerial dominance, intercept marking and precision kicking off half back.
The Pigeons were able to regain control in the second term with much better ball use across the ground. An early coast to coast play involving Koopman and Frauenfelder, resulting in a Ryan Einpsorn goal kickstarted the Pigeons in their 5-goal quarter.
Einsporn has continued his stellar form in season 2022, racking up 21 disposals with 8 marks and 5 tackles to feature strongly in the Pigeons best for the day.
A short time later, the Pigeons were yet again able to take the ball the full length of the oval without the ball touching ground. The smooth moving Nick Fothergill snapped through a classy left foot snap which is something the Pigeons supporters have come accustomed to as the year has progressed.
A second goal from Whiley was then followed by some Frauenfelder brilliance, playing on cleverly from 40 metres out whilst his opponent wasn’t looking to slide another home. Fothergill, who incredibly ended up with 14 marks for the afternoon due to his sheer gut running, bobbed up again to slot through another to give the Pigeons a handy 22-point lead at the main break.
Jack Sexton began the second half in dynamic fashion, rebounding off half back and giving the Pigeons enormous drive. The defender was able to sneak down and get on the end of a Harry Wheeler inside 50 to then goal from the set shot.
Wheeler himself then worked hard forward of the football to pounce on a loose ball and snap through another major. The Vice Captain of the Pigeons continues to add strings to his bow, kicking 6 goals in the last month of football as a midfielder.
Mick Gibbons showed glimpses of brilliance all throughout the afternoon and capped it off with a check side goal on the back of outstanding Ryan Bruce pressure across half forward. The Pigeons class rising to the top with goals to Will Sexton and Fothergill pushing the winning margin out to 44-points.
The Pigeons now turn their attention to Corowa-Rutherglen at the JC Lowe Oval this Saturday afternoon.
Disposals: L. Masters 30, M Gibbons 27, N Fothergill 24, R Einsporn 21, J Sexton 21.
Reserves
Wodonga 7.11.53 defeated by Yarrawonga 10.11.71.
The Pigeons Reserves have overturned the previous result of a draw against Wodonga Bulldogs with an 18-point victory at Martin Park on Saturday afternoon.
A host of changes to the starting line-up for the 2nd vs 3rd clash didn't deter the Pigeons from sticking to their guns and grinding out the important victory.
Yet again, the Pigeons Thirds players played an integral role in the win. Sam Hemphill, Oscar Elliot, Hunter Surrey and Hunter Frauenfelder all stepped up to play eight quarters of football.
In an evenly matched first half, the Pigeons were being well served through the likes of David O’Dwyer in the ruck and his midfield brigade in Xavier Leslie, Zec Cuppens and Jordan Urquhart.
Some uncharacteristic mistakes from the Pigeons allowed the Dogs numerous scoring opportunities and kept them within arms reach. Doug Arnold and Cory Pearn were playing fantastic roles in defence, winning multiple 1 on 1’s and rebounding off half back.
The half time break was well needed for the Pigeons as they were able to reset and recompose for the second half.
An immediate response came in the third quarter as the Pigeons began to hit their straps, winning the ball out of the middle and playing it in their forward half.
Tyler Lovell has been in brilliant form in recent weeks and looked ominous up forward. Jack Brooks and Jacob Adkins were lively whilst Reed Bonat and Hayden Cartwright were working overtime in the midfield.
The 4 goal to 1 quarter ultimately set the victory up for the Pigeons as they managed to stave off a gallant Wodonga outfit.
Goals: Tyler Lovell 3, Zec Cuppens, Ross Mulquiney 2, Jacob Adkins, Jack Brooks Ben Radford 1.
Best: Xavier Leslie, Zechariah Cuppens, David O’Dwyer, Cory Pearn, Sam Hemphill, Tyler Lovell.
Thirds
Wodonga 2.4.16 defeated by Yarrawonga 17.15.117.
The Yarrawonga Thirds are back on the winners list after thumping the Wodonga Bulldogs by 101 points at Martin Park on Saturday morning.
Back from injury, Jyda House did not take any time settling back into the swing of things. House booted 8 goals in a dominant display up forward. The Pigeons jumped out of the blocks immediately, booting the first four goals of the game in the first quarter.
Mac Pendergast is a man in form and was Yarrawonga’s best player for the day. Pendergast competed strongly in the air and on the ground and played a large part in many of the Pigeons forward attacks.
Hudson Gillies appreciated a move down forward after spending the previous game in defense. Gillies showed his nous around the big sticks booting through four majors of his own for the day.
Tom Oliver, Connor Phibbs and Harry Nagle were excellent contributors for the Pigeons throughout the game, showing great signs to be strong players for the Pigeons moving forward.
The challenge for the Pigeons this season has been stringing consecutive wins together. This week they have a fantastic opportunity against a similar ladder positioned Corowa Rutherglen.
Coach Frauenfelder will be hoping to turn the result around from earlier in the year in a bid to potentially keep their finals hopes alive.
Goals: Jyda House 8, Hudson Gillies 4, Hunter Frauenfelder 3, Dan Psaltaris, Hunter Surrey 1.
Best: Mac Pendergast, Jyda House, Tom Oliver, Connor Phibbs, Harry Nagle, Lochie Forge.
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