Pigeons take down ladder leaders

In what was to be the match of the round in Ovens and Murray A Grade netball, the 3rd placed Pigeons played off against top of the table Wodonga Raiders with the Pigeons taking the points in the first encounter, which proved to be a pivotal turning point in their season.

The game certainly lived up to the expectation with several lead changes during the four-quarter battle.

The Pigeons knew it was going to be a tough encounter from the first whistle. Raiders are a strong athletic outfit who have been playing patient-controlled netball, so it was going to take a whole team effort for the Pigeons to nullify them.

With some positional changes and versatility, the Yarrawonga coaching staff were able to keep the Raiders guessing.

Yarrawonga's defensive pressure down the court played a pivotal role with the goalers being provided with plenty of opportunities, and they didn't disappoint being quick to reward this whole team defensive pressure.

In what was a gallant team effort, youngster Kelisha Pell shone bright shooting 40 from 43 attempts aiding the Pigeons to a 50-47 victory.

Best player: Kelisha Pell.

B Grade

Wodonga Raiders 48 def Yarrawonga 38.

A sunny winters day set the atmosphere for a tough match against Wodonga Raiders. Starting strong Yarrawonga got off to a quick lead but Raiders never let that deter them as it was a hard and physical first quarter which continued for the whole match. Yarrawonga had a few injuries this week and unfortunately could not come home with a victory.

A solid effort by all players including all the fill ins who never gave up.

Best Players: Aleisha Leslie and Ava Phibbs.

C Grade

Wodonga Raiders 51 def Yarrawonga 34.

The C Grade girls knew they were in for a tough fight against the fourth placed Wodonga Raiders.

Yarrawonga were strong with their defensive pressure throughout the game but they were no match for the strong Raiders team.

Under 17s

Wodonga Raiders 73 def Yarrawonga 23.

A beautiful sunny day in Wodonga saw the Under 17s come up against a strong Raiders side. The Raiders made a strong start with their pinpoint accuracy in the ring.

Skai McConnell and Milla Fletcher used their foot work to make the Raider shooter work hard, then the addition of Zoe Schweda into the defensive ring pulling in any lose balls and rebounds.

Kendall Connell and Claudia Cruickshank worked tirelessly on the defensive ring and help bring the ball down the court.

The midcourters Emma Thompson and Mia Wheaton worked hard in the midcourt to transition the ball from defence to attack feeding beautifully into the shooters.

Lucy Judd and Indi Wheeler worked well together to try and pin back the Raiders lead with beautiful shooting and positioning in the ring.

The Raiders were too strong, final scores 73 to 23.

Awards: Coaches Award: Lucy Judd and Players Player: Mia Wheaton.

Under 15s

Wodonga Raiders 61 def Yarrawonga 30.

The Pigeons had a good game and stayed competitive with the Raiders, who are top of the ladder.

Em Liddell had a fantastic game starting in WD and moving into the midcourt. She has great defensive pressure and hands over ball which caused some great turnovers.

Ella also had a great game in goals against some skilled and physical defenders.

In the end, Raiders proved why they are top of the ladder and came away with the win.

Best Players: Em Liddell and Ella Lewis.