Rovers down Pigeons in tight contest

The Pigeons had come off a two-week break whilst the Rovers were in white-hot form coming off a big win against ladder leaders at the time Wodonga Bulldogs.

The first quarter was a hotly contested one with both teams having their fair share of opportunities in front of goal.

The Pigeons possessed a large chunk of football throughout the quarter but yet again failed to make it count on the scoreboard, kicking inaccurately in front of the big sticks.

It did not take long for Michael Gibbons to make his presence felt after making his return for his first game since round 1 after injuring his hamstring. Gibbons was lively in the forward line, bobbing up to kick his sides first major of the day.

Captain Leigh Masters did not shirk the contest early, taking intercept marks and bringing a strong physical presence early in the game.

As quarter time arrived, tempers began to flare in front of the packed crowd with both teams engaging in a scuffle that took some time to diffuse.

After the Pigeons held a slender four-point margin at the first change, it was the Rovers who began to take control of the contest.

The hard-running, slingshot style of play was paying dividends for the home side as they were able to cut through the Pigeons defence. Key forwards in Toby Murray, Tom Boyd and Alex Marklew were proving to be a headache for the undersized Yarrawonga backline.

Four goals to two including a goal on the half time siren in favour of the Rovers gave them a 7-point advantage at the main break.

Yarrawonga came out with a great intent in the second half and at times looked as though they could potentially put a space on the Rovers after the lead got out to 12-points in favour of the Pigeons.

However, the Rovers hit back immediately and proceeded to pile on a procession of goals in a big rush of momentum that the Pigeons found hard to stop.

Trailing by 19-points at the final change, the message from coach Steve Johnson was for the Pigeons to take risks, move the ball off the line of play and play with freedom.

Although being able to create multiple scoring opportunities, the Pigeons lack of conversion inside fifty was costly as the Rovers were able to make the most of their chances at the opposite end and ran away with a 32-point victory.

Yarrawonga will look forward to regaining some key players back into the engine room including Harry Wheeler, Lach Howe and Mark Whiley.

The Pigeons host a blockbuster game against the much-improved Wodonga Bulldogs which will be played in front of the 2013 Premiership Reunion on Saturday afternoon.

Stats: Cam Wilson 22, Leigh Masters 21, Bailey Frauenfelder 20, Willie Wheeler 19, Matt Casey 17.

Reserves

Wangaratta Rovers 10.3.63 def by Yarrawonga 10.9.69.

Goals: Wangaratta Rovers: Nicholas Redley 4, Joe Allen 1, Noah Amery 1, Luke Arcuri 1, Darcy Booth 1, Shane Gaston 1, Cameron Nottle 1.

Yarrawonga: Max Hemphill 2, Dillon Walsh – Hill 2, Douglas Arnold 1, Jacob Bartlett 1, Luke Congram 1, Nicholas Gorman 1, Brendan Ryan 1, Bronson Schofield 1.

Best: Wangaratta Rovers: Noah Amery, Nicholas Redley, Sam Henderson, Shane Gaston, Connor Crimmins, Tristan Lenaz.

Yarrawonga: Douglas Arnold, Max Hemphill, Beau Seymour, Dillon Walsh-hall, Tom McKimmie, Brady Black.

The Yarrawonga Reserves have come out on top in the Grand Final rematch of 2022 against the Wangaratta Rovers by a narrow 6-points. In a see-sawing battle, the Pigeons were able to grind their way to the front and hold off the Rovers late in the game.

Right from the outset, the Pigeons knew they had to bring a defensive first mindset to stop the obvious style of game the Rovers wanted to play.

A total buy-in from the 21 players wearing the blue and white hoops allowed the Pigeons to stay in the contest.

Even though over-sized up forward, the big men of Yarrawonga brought relentless forward line pressure, laying some big tackles in the forward half.

Nick Gorman, Luke Congram, Jacob Bartlett and Dillon Walsh-Hall all played fantastic roles as it was evident their work rates were through the roof.

The midfield brigade for the Pigeons were sensational all day.

Led by Ruckman Dave O’Dywer, he and his troops including Doug Arnold, Tom McKimmie and Will Robinson were at their hard-working best. Arnold’s ability to not only win the contested ball but also get it on the outside was at a high level all day.

The defence of Yarrawonga was rock solid all day and played a huge part in the Pigeons successes on the day.

Newcomer to the club Brady Black played a superb game off half back. Given the key role on Rovers player Sam Allen, Black stuck to his guns to negate Allen but also found plenty of the ball through some big intercept marks.

Beau Seymour was also instrumental throughout the game as he continues to make great progress back from injury.

With the lead at only four points heading into the last quarter, Max Hemphill stood tall when it mattered most, taking multiple contested marks in crucial areas of the ground.

The Pigeons were able to do just enough to hold the Rovers at bay to secure the important win which now takes them to 5 wins and 2 losses for the season.

Yarrawonga will now look forward to returning to the JC Lowe Oval to host the Wodonga Bulldogs who are a force in the Reserves grade competition.

Thirds

Wangaratta Rovers 1.4, 5.8, 8.10, 16.14.110.

Yarrawonga 0.0, 0.2, 1.2, 2.2.14.

Goals: Wangaratta Rovers: Judd Schubert 4, Jai Dal Zotto 3, Oliver Sharp 2, Ned Turner 2, William Ashton 1, Lachlan Barbour 1, Jack Keys 1, Charles Ledger 1, Trey Vincent 1.

Yarrawonga: Jack Eales 1, Ned Harvey 1.

Best: Wangaratta Rovers: Ned Turner, William Ashton, Oliver Sharp, Tom Forrest, Judd Schubert, Riley Allan.

Yarrawonga: Lochie Forge, Mitchell Parker, Patrick Waugh, Hunter Frauenfelder, Ned Harvey, Oliver Connell.

Pigeons Loft

This Saturday the Pigeons host the Wodonga Bulldogs for the 1st King’s Birthday Clash in over 50 years – we welcome all to the Grove in what should be a cracking day!

On the outer wing we will be having a Past Players Event (contact Craig Ednie) and there is still time to get entry to this all-inclusive day. The event will also honour the 2013 Premiership team.

A special thanks to the myriad of supporters and sponsors supporting the day including Bang Events (Drew and Anna Barnes) who fit out the area.

If you need event assistance, make sure you hit up Anna @BangEvents.

Our matches against the Rovers were great contests with the day split 4 wins a-piece.

The senior netballers and the reserves again led the way with the senior footy a see-sawing loss.

This week the senior football match ups again look good games, but the thirds game will be one to be early for.

On the netball court the A and B Grade teams will be looking to maintain their places on top of the ladder. The coaching staff have also been playing around with combinations with Kelisha Pell, Georgie Hemphill and Chloe Wheaton all making their presence felt in the A-Grade team.

Seeing three of our junior players in the main game was great but we get the feeling there is plenty of life left in some of our experienced stars and competition for spots is hot – the way it should be!

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 King’s B/Day Special: What is the most frustrating thing for Dragons when Kings throw them birthday parties?

A: Blowing out the candles…

Awards: Netball: Squires Winery – Sarah Moore and Belle Bailey.

Football Awards: Yarrawonga Hotel – Brayden Coburn and Nick Fothergill and Yarrawonga Hotel – Beau Seymour.