Pigeons dominate North Albury

The Yarrawonga Pigeons pulled off a sensational 52–39 victory against ladder leaders, North Albury on Saturday.

With a depleted line-up, A Grade defied the odds and showed why they remain a serious premiership threat.

Key shooters Maddy Allen and Bridget Cassar were unavailable which meant the Pigeons relied on young talent to fill the void, which they did in style.

Rising under 17-star Sophie Coghill and the versatile Ellie Dickens rose to the challenge, while Kaleisha Pell continued her dominant form under the ring with a superb 35-goal performance.

Tilly Kennedy was electric in wing attack, not only had she orchestrated play through the midcourt but also delivered pinpoint feeds into the goal circle and made crucial intercepts to turn defence into attack.

She was rewarded with one of the match awards for her stellar contribution.

At the other end, Laura Davis put on a defensive clinic in wing defence to nullify North Albury’s usually dangerous midcourt, with relentless pressure.

Laura Irvine gave another strong performance in the centre and worked tirelessly throughout all four quarters.

In a new defensive partnership, Maisie Pell and Hannah Symes combined seamlessly to hold North Albury to under 40 goals, which is a rare feat for the opposition.

The duo’s synergy and timing proved critical in disrupting North Albury’s flow and maintained Yarrawonga’s ascendancy.

The Pigeons showed grit, adaptability, and depth across the court, despite the absence of two of their star players.

The result could have major ramifications for the ladder as finals approach and marks the North Albury’s first loss of the season.

With performances like this, the Pigeons have made it clear that they’re not just contenders, they’re serious challengers.

Best: Tilly Kennedy and Sophie Coghill.

B Grade

North Albury 39 def by Yarrawonga 46

B Grade had started well with a solid defensive performance against tough opponents.

Millie, Jac, Alisha and Emma all worked hard in the midcourt.

The contest was even and difficult in some parts, but to B Grade’s credit, showed focus and hard work.

Dee and Elle were strong and with the added expertise of Ange, worked hard to move the ball around the goal circle.

North Albury were a strong opponent, but Yarrawonga fought hard in the final quarter to become eventual winners.

Best: Kira Dickins and Jackie Oswald.

C Grade

North Albury 36 def by Yarrawonga 54

C Grade produced a strong four-quarter performance to defeat North Albury.

Yarrawonga showed focus, composure and clean ball movement.

The midcourt consistent of Sophie, Mia, Grace and Emma found the shooters with ease.

Their defensive pressure was a standout, which caused repeated turnovers and limited North Albury’s scoring opportunities.

Kendal’s seamless transition into the team enabled Kirby and Brigit to make fluent interceptions.

Angela, Helena and Matilda’s accurate shooting, smart decision-making, and solid connections across the court made the difference, in what was a well-rounded team performance.

Best: Kirby and Brigit

Under 17s

North Albury 34 def by Yarrawonga 56.

Yarrawonga’s Under 17s showed up at sunny North Albury, eager to play after the interleague bye.

Everyone played their role the moment they stepped onto the court.

The first quarter was steady until the Pigeons found rhythm and increased intensity.

Sophie Coghill played a strong game as goal shooter and worked beautifully alongside Kendall Connell and Chloe Lidell, who provided strong holds which the side benefitted from.

The defensive pressure from Maisee Pell, Sienna Clarkson and midcourters allowed for many turnovers and more attacking opportunities.

The midcourters were switched on, as they applied immense pressure in defense and converted onto the scoreboard.

By the time the final siren sounded, the Under 17’s had earned themselves an amazing 22-point win over North Albury, a well-deserved win by all.

Best: Jedda and Stevie.

Under 15s

North Albury 34 def by Yarrawonga 37.

The girls had a fantastic start, with the defenders working hard to create intercepts and pull-in rebounds.

The shooters were absolutely on song, as they converted from many intercepts early in the contest.

The midcourt had taken the learnings from training into matchday, as they worked together fabulously, showed patience and gave the front options.

The defensive end did not skip a beat as they transitioned well, remained calm and made multiple of intercepts.

The shooters were able to work and switch well, which allowed the girls to put up lots of shots and build confidence.

Best: Winnie Heffernan and Layla Thwaite