Myrtleford 3.1, 7.3, 10.3, 13.5.83
Yarrawonga 7.3, 12.5, 16.7, 19.14.128
Goals: Myrtleford: Kyle Winter-Irving 4, Ryley Sharp 2, Sam Hilton-Joyce 1, Jake Sharp 1, Declan Bren 1, Hugh Wales 1, Addison Bedendo 1, Simon Curtis 1, Sam Martyn 1.
Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams 5, Tim Lawrence 2, Ned Pendergast 2, Logan Morey 2, Nick Fothergill 1, Harry Wheeler 1, Angus Curry 1, Brayden Coburn 1, Mark Whiley 1, Ryan Einsporn 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Leigh Masters 1.
Best: Myrtleford: Kyle Winter – Irving, Ryley Sharp, Thomas Cappellari, Sam Hilton-Joyce, Alex Jacobs, Mitch Dalbosco
Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams, Willie Wheeler, Leigh Masters, Cam Wilson, Harry Wheeler, Ned Pendergast.
The Yarrawonga Pigeons have notched up their fifth consecutive victory with a comfortable win against the Myrtleford Saints at the McNamara Reserve.
The opening quarter saw the home team fly out of the blocks to catch the Pigeons off guard with the first two goals of the game through Winter-Irving. The early onslaught from the Saints was quickly halted however, the Pigeons finally clicked into gear and began to play the game on their terms.
7 goals to 1 from this point onwards in the Pigeons favour put an end to a frantic and high scoring first quarter.
For the visitors, it was Mark Whiley who was everywhere racking up 10 disposals whilst Leigh Williams and Tim Lawrence both looked set for a big day with two early majors each.
The second quarter at the McNamara Reserve saw the high scoring continue as both sides created great scoring opportunities. The Pigeons were able to stretch their lead by 6 points throughout the term as Myrtleford continued to battle away.
Midfielders Cam Wilson, Willie Wheeler and Harry Wheeler all began to work their way into the game strongly as Mark Whiley was taken off with a calf complaint.
The second half proved to be a similar story to the first as the goals continued to flow. Myrtleford at times looked to threaten the visitors on the scoreboard however the Pigeons always managed to keep the Saints at arm’s reach.
Leigh Williams was the difference between the two sides having 11 scoring shots of his own. Ending up with 5 majors and 6 behinds for the day, Williams looks close to having a very big day out if he can convert truly.
Winger Ryan Bruce and inside midfielder Brayden Coburn are both having consistent years. The pair would now be regarded as experienced campaigners and will play a vital role in the premiership chances for Yarrawonga in 2023.
Post game after the Pigeons 45-point victory, Coach Steve Johnson was pleased with his side's efforts however admitted there was still plenty of room for improvement.
The Pigeons now face a two-week bye and will then turn their attention to a huge 3 weeks against some top four teams.
Matches against the Wangaratta Rovers, Wodonga Bulldogs and the Albury Tigers will be the ultimate test for the Pigeons as they look to cement themselves into the top 3 on the Ovens and Murray ladder.
Disposals: Cam Wilson 28, Harry Wheeler 25, Ryan Bruce 22, Willie Wheeler 21, Brayden Coburn 20, Nick Fothergill 20.
Reserves
Myrtleford 1.3.9 defeated by Yarrawonga 18.11.119.
The Yarrawonga Reserves have reached the two-week bye with 4 wins and 2 losses to sit 4th on a tight ladder.
The Pigeons were greeted with immaculate conditions in Myrtleford and after a slow start, were able to pull right away from the Saints to record a big 110-point win.
With a strong line up to take the field, the Pigeons firepower up forward proved to be too much for Myrtleford as Dillon Walsh Hall, Ross Mulquiney, Jacob Adkins and Max Hemphill all proved to be a handful for the opposition.
Through the midfield, Doug Arnold, Reed Bonat and Will Robinson were all dominant around the clearance and were able to provide their forwards with great looks on goal.
The Pigeons were pleased to see the return of Beau Seymour and Kyal Tyson who were both back from injury. Both Tyson and Seymour were rock solid down back and will only improve with further match fitness.
Luke Congram, after starting the year in defense, was swung back to his preferred position up forward and looked at home. Congram worked hard between the arcs and was the key link between defense and attack.
Like the seniors, the Pigeons will have a tough 3-week period against some strong opposition which could potentially determine the makeup of the top four this early in the season.
Goals: Dillon Walsh- Hall 5, Ross Mulquiney 4, Jacob Adkins 3, Max Hemphill 2, Tom McKimmie 1, Craig Frauenfelder 1, David O’Dwyer 1, Luke Congram 1.
Best: Ross Mulquiney, Doug Arnold, Beu Seymour, B Black, Luke Congram, Tom McKimmie.
Thirds
Myrtleford 12.9.81 defeated Yarrawonga 5.11.41.
Goals: N/A
Best: Ned Harvey, Lochie Forge, Hunter Frauenfelder, Lach Dwyer, Mitch Parker, Luke Slattery.
Pigeons Loft
Season 2023 has kicked off for both our A Grade Netball and 1st XVIII in a great fashion. Both teams are looking toward challenging for the double chance.
Make sure you get down and support your teams whenever you can. Whilst we do not return to our home ground for a month (King’s Birthday Weekend) do not miss a chance to see Symes, Davis, Masters or Wheeler, the A Grade matches start at about midday and the 1st XVIII at 2pm.
Speaking of our next home, King’s Birthday v Wodonga – there will be a Past Players event on the outer.
More details will follow but contact Craig Ednie or Nick Dykes to secure your spot to this all-inclusive day on the outer wing. The day will also honour the 2013 Premiership team.
This week a number of our players may be required for interleague in Albury on Saturday. With selections yet to be finalised we wish all those selected the best of luck. Please stay injury free!
Our games against Myrtleford were 6 wins and 2 losses with the 3rds and u15s missing on the W. The u15s continue to contest each week in a strong league and if they continue to work with their coaches, they will develop.
The 3rd XVIII are in a similar spot. The club is extremely thankful for the off-field teams surrounding both these junior teams.
Both coaching groups have lots of experience and it is important to always remember winning is not as important as competing and learning to compete is hard work.
If you have not got your membership, they are available at the gate or Hargraves during business hours: 16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga.
We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Blum, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and Yield Finance for their support.
Pigeon Con’s bending joke: "I was talking to an out of work contortionist, he says he can no longer make ends meet.”
Awards:
Netball Awards: Squires Winery – Maddy Allen.
Football Awards: Yarrawonga Hotel – Angus Curry and Yarrawonga Hotel – Dillon Walsh-Hall.
OAKFM Player of the Year award
Votes from Yarra’s win at Myrtleford: 5 Willie Wheeler, 4 B Frauenfelder, 3 Williams, 2 Winter Irving (Myrt) 1 Wilson.
Leaderboard: 18 Willie Wheeler, 14 J Mathey (Wod), 13 Whiley, 12 I Muller (Alb) 11 N Fothergill.