Corowa 1.0, 4.2, 5.5, 5.9 (39) def by Yarrawonga 2.2, 4.3, 8.5, 10.8 (68)
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Best: Corowa: Emmett Northey, Jy Lane, Jackson Richardson, Charlie St John, Joe Hansen, Elijah Amery.
Yarrawonga: Jordan Urquhart, William Wheeler, Cameron Wilson, Nicholas Fothergill, Daniel Howe, Tyler Lovell.
Goals: Corowa: K Bradtke 3, J Hansen, J Lane.
Yarrawonga: C McKenna 3, B Coghill 2, N Fothergill, C Wison, M Findlay, W Wheeler, L Henley 1.
Yarrawonga produced a gritty second-half surge to defeat Corowa-Rutherglen by 29 points in an untidy Ovens and Murray Football Netball League clash on Saturday, with underrated defender Jordan Urquhart emerging as the standout performer.
In what many described as a scrappy and error-riddled contest, the Pigeons eventually pulled away to record a 10.8 (68) to 5.9 (39) victory after leading by just one point at half-time.
Despite perfect conditions, both sides struggled to produce fluent football, with turnovers and skill errors dominating much of the afternoon.
“It was definitely not a game I’d be going back to watch,” sidelined Yarrawonga coach Leigh Williams said.
“It was scrappy and there were a lot of easy turnovers from both teams.”
The contest turned during the third quarter when Corowa-Rutherglen was reduced to 17 men for 15 minutes following an incident in a front-on marking contest.
Yarrawonga capitalised immediately, kicking four goals to one to seize control of the match.
“It helped us gain ascendancy in the back half of that third quarter,” Williams said.
“We were happy to take advantage because it wasn’t looking pretty otherwise, but it was enough to change the influence of the game.”
The Pigeons made a bright start through an early Max Findlay goal, but scoring dried up as the game descended into a physical and often messy struggle. Late in the quarter Fotherill goaled to give the Pigeons a break.
The second quarter became a battle of wasted opportunities and poor discipline from both teams.
Once the extra player advantage arrived in the third term, Yarrawonga finally broke the game open. Ben Coghill, Willie Wheeler and Cam Wilson all hit the scoreboard as the Pigeons found momentum.
Wilson’s influence was particularly important. While his statistics may not jump off the page, his toughness and leadership around the contest inspired teammates at crucial moments.
“He led through his actions,” Williams said.
Urquhart’s performance across half-back proved pivotal. Tasked with helping Blake Keenes contain dangerous Corowa-Rutherglen forward Kaelan Bradtke, Urquhart repeatedly intercepted attacks and provided rebound drive for the Pigeons.
“He did a really good job of filling in the hole, getting in the leading lanes of Kaelan Bradtke and took some intercept marks which gave us a bit of drive,” Williams said.
Bradtke still managed three goals and threatened to drag the Roos back into the contest at various stages, while young ruckman Emmett Northey and returning player Jay Lane were among Corowa-Rutherglen’s better contributors.
Up forward for Yarrawonga, Charley McKenna finished with three goals and Coghill added two in the important win. Williams also praised his leaders for responding after the main break, with Wheeler and Wilson lifting their intensity when the game was still in the balance.
While it was far from a classic, the Pigeons will happily take the four points as they continue to build momentum in the Ovens and Murray season and look to take on a North Albury outfit fresh from a win at the JC Lowe Oval this weekend.
Reserves
Corowa 1.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.7 (25) def by Yarrawonga 6.3, 9.5, 13.8, 17.9 (111)
Best: Hunter Frauenfelder, Tom McKimmie, Nicholas Gorman, Adam McKelvie, Andrew Dickins, Matt McCabe.
Goals: N Gorman 3, J Eales 3, L Craig 2, A Jaques, S Trembath, H Frauenfelder, M McCabe, R Mulquiney, C DeOleveira, P Waugh.
Corowa came to play and dominated the opening half of the first quarter. If not for the Pigeons’ efficiency in front of goal, the home side could have found itself in early trouble.
Nick Gorman burst out of the blocks with three first-quarter goals, while Lach Craig proved a dangerous and reliable target up forward all day.
Gradually, however, the Pigeons’ midfield worked its way back into the contest. Dickins controlled the air, while Hunter Frauenfelder and Tom McKimmie wrestled back supremacy around the stoppages. From there, the Pigeons began to take control and eventually put the Roos to the sword with winners all over the ground.
McCabe was strong all day, McKelvie provided plenty of drive on the wing, and although Corowa showed patches where they looked lively, the Pigeons eventually outworked and out-hunted their opponents before making full use of their opportunities on the scoreboard.
Youngsters Gove, Jacques, Trembath and Sneddon, all stepping up from the Under 18s, played important roles and showed plenty of promise. It was also a terrific sight to see father-and-son duo Hunter and Craig Frauenfelder combine so well on a perfect day for football.
The highlight of the afternoon came late in the game when coach O’Dwyer swung Jack Eales forward in a masterstroke move. The young gun responded brilliantly, slotting three late goals and providing a lesson in finishing to some of the old forwards who had spent the day inside 50.
Thirds
Corowa 1.21, 2.3, 2.4, 3.4 (22) def by Yarrawonga 5.2, 9.5, 15.7, 19.9 (123)
Best: Cooper Clark, Archie Skehan, Cameron Stephens, Samuel Trembath, Connor Strawhorn, Archie Jaques.
Goals: Samuel Trembath 5, Archie Jaques 4, Connor McCarty 3, Jai Sneddon 3, Cooper Clark 2.
The Yarrawonga Pigeons Under 18s produced a dominant all-round performance in perfect conditions at Corowa, claiming a huge win after controlling the contest across every line.
Samuel Trembath was a major force up forward, finishing with five goals in a standout display, while Archie Jaques worked tirelessly all day and added four majors of his own. Connor McCarty and Jai Sneddon each chipped in with three goals, while Cooper Clark added two.
The Pigeons’ best players were Cooper Clark, Archie Skehan, Cameron Stephens, Samuel Trembath, Connor Strawhorn and Archie Jaques.
Skehan showed some exciting flashes throughout the game, while Clark reminded everyone why he was considered one of the standouts from the Under 16 players in 2025 with an impressive performance.
Yarrawonga’s pressure and work rate around the ground proved too much for the opposition as the undefeated Pigeons continued their strong run of form in the Under 18 competition
Pigeon Loft
Across all grades last weekend, there was plenty to be pleased about, with six of the eight matches falling our way. B Grade and C Grade went down in tightly fought contests, but the effort across both sides was outstanding and reflected the competitive spirit of the club.
It was also a fantastic result for our youngest netballers, with both teams registering their first wins of the 2026 season—a great reward for their efforts.
On the football side, the Thirds and Reserves recorded strong and convincing victories, continuing their positive form.
The Senior match may not have been a classic, but in the end, as the old saying goes, a win is a win is a win—and four points is four points.
A Grade Milestone – Annalise Grinter
The highlight of the weekend, however, came with a truly special milestone as Annalise Grinter (Bourke) celebrated her 250th A Grade game in Pigeon colours.
After a well-deserved week in the spotlight, Annalise once again let her netball do the talking. Her career has been defined by consistency, competitiveness, and an ability to perform in the moments that matter most.
What often goes unnoticed is her remarkable toughness. Annalise has continually played through injury, matched up against taller opponents, and returned from serious setbacks with the same determination and drive.
When the game is on the line and the ball must be won, the Pigeons have repeatedly relied on her to stand tall.
Congratulations, Annalise, on an outstanding achievement of 250 A Grade games—an incredible milestone in a truly remarkable career.
This week – Pigeons vs North Albury
Attention now turns to a huge clash this Sunday at JC Lowe Oval as we host North Albury in what promises to be another strong day of football and netball.
With both clubs boasting proud histories and passionate support bases, these matchups are always hard-fought and full of intensity.
The A Grade contest in particular shapes as a key battle, with plenty on the line and no shortage of rivalry between the two sides.
We encourage all supporters, families, and locals to get down to JC Lowe Oval and back the Pigeons. Bring your voice, bring your colours, and help create a strong home-ground atmosphere as we look to finish the round on a high. See you at the footy.
Thank you to our major partners
We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of our major partners:
Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Yarrawonga Ford, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.
Important dates
6 June– Past Players & Volunteers Premiership Reunion (12 Midday, JC Lowe Oval)
Celebrating: 2006 (20 years), 2011 (15 years), 2016 (10 years)
4 July– Club Ball