Pigeons soar to finals bye

The Pigeons A Grade side delivered a commanding performance against the Wodonga Raiders, cementing their place at the top of the ladder and securing a valuable first-week finals bye.

From the outset, Bridget Cassar took control of the goal circle using her strength, clever positioning, and netball smarts to dominate the attacking end.

Her ability to create space and set up scoring opportunities kept the Raiders' defenders under constant pressure.

Through the midcourt, Tilly Kennedy was a dynamic presence, finding space with ease and combining superbly with Laura Irvine.

The pair showed patience and precision, consistently feeding the ball into the goalers and keeping the attacking momentum flowing.

In defence, Maisee Pell and Hannah Symes were outstanding against a strong Raiders attack end led by Vixens talent Mia Lavis.

Despite constant rotations in the Raiders’ shooting circle, the tall defensive duo continually adjusted their play, applying relentless pressure and making scoring opportunities hard to come by.

The team's seamless transition from defence to attack left the Raiders scrambling, as the Pigeons proved their versatility and cohesion across the court.

This comprehensive team effort not only highlighted the depth and skill across the court but also sets up the Pigeons for a promising finals campaign in what’s shaping up to be a hotly contested series.

B Grade

Yarrawonga 39 def Wodonga Raiders 26

This was always going to be a tough battle against a talented Raiders side.

The B Grade Pigeons got off to a good start, in a very even first quarter.

In the second quarter, Yarrawonga went from strength to strength and never looked back.

It was a great game played by the whole side.

Yarrawonga won the game and secured second spot on the ladder.

Best: Jacqui Oswald and Annalise Grinter.

C Grade

Yarrawonga 34 def by Wodonga Raiders 35

C Grade knew coming into this game, it was going to be tough.

The side came out to the court full of energy and had a strong eight goal lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Raiders came out firing and narrowed the lead back to few goals by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter went goal for goal, but unfortunately the Pigeons fell short and lost by one goal.

C Grade face the Raiders again next Sunday in the first final and look to bounce back with a win.

Best: Sophie Wilson and Lauren Mulquiney.

Under 17

Yarrawonga 35 def by Wodonga Raiders 66

On a sunny morning at JC Lowe Oval in Yarrawonga, the Under 17 Pigeons and Raiders entered the court eager to win, knowing it was going to be tough, competitive battle.

Second against fifth on the ladder, meant both sides were keen to take home the victory.

Jedda, Stevie, Miley and Lily rotated within the midcourt who provided strong passes, intercepts and clear directions.

Miley provided loud and impactful directions through her voice.

Sophie and Kendall were highly active participants in the game, shooting goal after goal from the strength of Sophie’s holds and Kendall’s sneaky baseline drives.

Leni, Sienna and Emily put in four quarters of amazing effort in the backline, even though they didn’t have it easy.

Despite the defeat, the game of netball was competitive and highlighted the talent of many players.

Under 15

Yarrawonga 11 def by Wodonga Raiders 84

The score didn’t reflect how well the Under 15 girls played against the ladder leaders.

The Under 15s nailed what they had worked on in training last weekend.

Although it was a tough game, the girls showed great effort.

The Under 15s cannot wait to hit the ground running next year.

Best: Coaches award: Emily Judd, Players player: Milla Hicks