Pigeons soar past Lavington on court

Yarrawonga’s A Grade netball side continued their strong season with a convincing 44–31 win over fifth-placed Lavington, despite again fielding a team affected by injury and absences.

With several key players unavailable, the Pigeons welcomed back two young guns Eva Cummins and Mylah Kennedy, who were both home from boarding school for the long weekend.

The duo stepped up with maturity beyond their years, filling crucial roles and helping to maintain the team’s momentum.

Though rain threatened, the conditions stayed relatively dry, and after trailing early, the Pigeons clawed back control to run out 13-goal winners.

Veteran defender Hannah Symes was instrumental, producing a standout performance at goalkeeper.

Her relentless pressure forced errors and missed shots from the Lavington shooters, many of which she rebounded with confidence.

Symes’ on-court leadership also helped integrate Cummins at goal defence, with the pair forming an effective partnership that disrupted Lavington’s attack throughout the match.

The defensive dominance was further reinforced by the dynamic midcourt duo of Laura Davis and Laura Irvine.

Both continue to have outstanding seasons and were pivotal in turning defence into attack with their relentless pressure and clean ball movement.

Tilly Kennedy shone at wing attack as they created space and delivered precise feeds into the goal circle, before leaving the court in the final quarter due to injury.

The club will be hoping the injury isn’t serious as the already-depleted squad looks to keep their winning streak alive.

In the circle, Kaleisha, Bridget, and Mylah combined efficiently, as the duo capitalised on opportunities and converted at an impressive rate of more than 80%, despite facing a physical and often undisciplined Lavington defence.

Looking ahead, Yarrawonga will be bolstered by the return of Maddy Allen from holiday as they prepare for a big clash against third-placed Raiders next week.

Best Players: Hannah Symes and Laura Irvine.

B Grade

Yarrawonga 47 defeated Lavington 26

It took until halfway through the first quarter for the Yarrawonga team to score.

Lavington shut down the attack, and the goalers were having trouble to find to net.

To the girl’s credit, B Grade stuck together and got some momentum into the first quarter.

Yarrawonga showed a team performance and dominated the rest of the game.

It was fabulous to see Sarah Wollington back on the court who provided some strong leads in the mid court.

Emma played another solid game in wing attack and has really found her position on the court.

Alisha defended well throughout the match and got some great intercepts.

Great to see Bridget in Goals who supported Elle and Dee well.

Kira and Grace combined well and got their hands to many rebounds and intercepts.

Players player: Grace Coaches Elle

C Grade

Yarrawonga 43 defeated Lavington 37

C Grade knew it would be a close game, coming into the Lavington fixture.

The girls had a slow start as Lavington had taken a short lead into quarter time but came out strong in the second to get even.

Eventually C Grade had taken a small lead and saw the game out in front on the scoreboard.

C Grade stayed calm in the last quarter to win by six goals.

Best Players: Macey Hicks, Emma Thompson.

Under 17

Yarrawonga 51 drew with Lavington 51

It was a cold morning for the under 17 Pigeons, who had taken on the Lavington panthers.

Yarrawonga came out strong in the first quarter with strong drives and lots of encouragement.

The midcourt where consistent all game with speed and brilliant drives.

Maisee, Kendall and Winnie worked very hard to push the goalers wide and forced their opponents to make errors.

Goalers Mylah and Sophie worked together to create space, allowing each other to capitalise.

Although C Grade had the upper hand for most of the game, Lavington gave the Pigeons a run for their money in the last quarter, with great accuracy from their goalers and strong defensive pressure.

Yarrawonga tried to remain calm but couldn’t hold off the Panthers, resulting in a draw.

A great game full of positives but many things to work on.

Under 15

Yarrawonga 20 def by Lavington 42

This game was well fought by the Under 15s, which is not reflected in the score.

Yarrawonga kept up with Lavington until the third quarter.

Lavington dominated the last quarter and were the eventual winners.

The girls should be proud of their game as they never gave up.

Lavington proved too strong in the end.

Best Players: Winnie Heffernan Layla Thwaite.