The Pigeons Reserves were in the hunt all day, unfortunately going down by 2 goals.
Lavington 2.0, 5.3, 6.5, 8.6.54.
Yarrawonga 3.1, 4.1, 5.3, 6.6.42.
Goals: Lavington: Jack Kirley 3, Darcy Hennessy 2, Darcy Smith 2, Samuel Hargreave 1.
Yarrawonga: Jess Koopman 2, Hayden Cartwright 1, Hunter Frauenfelder 1, Max Hemphill 1, Dillon Walsh – Hall 1.
Best: Lavington: Lachlan Gaffney, Hunter Galvin, Reece Brennan, Jack Kirley, Andrew Yates, Peter Flood.
Yarrawonga: Max Hemphill, Beau Seymour, Tom McKimmie, Reid Clarke, Jordan O’Dwyer, Cory Pearn.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Pigeons Reserves have fallen 12-points short of a Grand Final berth going down at the hands of Lavington at Birralee Park on Sunday afternoon.
Yarrawonga began the contest on a positive note with Hayden Carwright and Hunter Frauenfelder hitting the scoreboard early and giving the Pigeons an early lead.
The second quarter belonged to the Panthers, as the Pigeons defence was under siege in the early stages of it.
Beau Seymour and Tom McKimmie were holding up well down back and did their best to limit the scoring of the Panthers.
Tom McKimmie looks towards the wing to get the ball out of Lavington's forward line.
As the game progressed, the Panthers slowly took control but could never stretch away from the Pigeons, who remained strong in the contest.
Max Hemhpill was giving everything he had in a bid to bridge the gap. With 8 points separating the two teams heading into the final quarter, the Pigeons still had the belief they could get the job done.
A crucial goal to Jess Koopman in the final quarter reduced the margin to just 2-points. However, the Panthers hit back hard and fast with two quick goals in response which deflated the Pigeons.
Jordan O'Dwyer rushes the ball out of the backline.
Not to give up, the Pigeons pushed hard and rallied late although missed opportunities in front of goal.
Season 2023 was not meant to be for the Yarrawonga Reserves however the group will be excited to bring some exciting talent through from the Thirds in 2024.
Pigeons Loft
The Pigeons have 3 teams through to the Grand Final so let’s get right behind them!
2023 has been a wonderful year so far, but let’s hope, the C and B-Graders can overcome the Raiders and Saints and the Seniors can sneak by modern day rival Albury in a game that promises to be a ripper.
After the match you are all welcome back to the JC Lowe Oval to catch up on the day and the year. Food, drink and entertainment will be available well into the night. Make sure you come along and catch up with your favourite footballer or netballer. It promises to be lots of fun.
Recapping the Preliminary Final, we had both our A-Grade and Reserves competing and whilst both gave their all, they both fell just short.
The A-Grade was just a cracking contest that took every minute of overtime to separate the clubs.
At times the experienced Pigeons looked like they were going to get ahead, but to the Raiders’ credit on their home court they were able to keep clawing back.
Overtime replicated the regulation 4 quarters, but the Pigeon stars were just not up when the 2nd final siren sounded.
The 2nd XVIII match was a see-sawing affair with the Pigeons a little under manned as the 1st XVIII was already through to the Grand Final.
Max Hemphill was outstanding in his best game for the year as were Beau Seymour and Reid Clarke. Unfortunately for the boys, it was not to be, and the dream of making it to their 5th Grand Final in a row dashed.
Friday at 12.30pm the Pigeons Grand Final parade will be held along Belmore Street with all local Clubs invited to participate.
We hope it will be an entire community celebration with the street in Blue and White and boats all lined up – it will be a sight to see.
Following that event training will be Friday night with Happy Hour from 5pm with $2 Beer cans from 5pm until 6pm.
Plus do not forget, Thursday, September 28 is the Pigeon Presentation Night at key partner ClubMulwala. Hit up the YFNC socials to secure your early bird discount entry.
Lastly, we take this opportunity to thank major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, Blum, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and Yield Finance for their support.
Pigeon Con’s “Grand” special: Mrs Con was seated nicely in the stand with a seat next to her spare. People asked, “why the spare seat?”. “That is my husband’s”. “Where is he?” they asked.
He died during the week. Saddened, they asked “could you not find someone else to come along”, she replied “They are all at the funeral”.
Awards: Netball Award - Squires Winery – Sarah Moore. Football Award - Yarrawonga Hotel – Max Hemphill.
