Yarrawonga 42 defeated North Albury 37
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The Yarrawonga Pigeons have secured an important 42-37 victory over North Albury after a hard-fought contest that showcased composure under pressure and a strong second-half turnaround.
The opening quarter was an even affair, with both sides trading goals in a high intensity start.
Yarrawonga’s defenders applied relentless pressure across the court, forcing several uncharacteristic turnovers from North Albury’s usually polished attacking unit.
The Hoppers capitalised on their opportunities more effectively during the second term, edging ahead to take a narrow lead into half-time.
Following the main break, a series of positional changes proved pivotal for the Pigeons.Rennie crushed by Tocumwal's unstoppable Bloods.
The adjustments opened the court up offensively and allowed Yarrawonga to gain ascendancy for the first time in the match.
Shooter Maddy Allan was instrumental in the comeback victory, finishing with an outstanding 27 goals from 29 attempts in a clinical display under the post.
In defence, Hannah Symes and Laura Davis provided the backbone of the side with their strong pressure and intercept work.
Young talent Maisee Pell also impressed with her maturity and versatility, seamlessly transitioning from GD in the first half to GA and GS after half-time, where she played a key role in swinging momentum back Yarrawonga’s way.
Awards: Maisee Pell & Laura Davis
B Grade
Yarrawonga 48 defeated North Albury 31
Yarrawonga B Grade has returned to the winners’ list with an impressive 48–31 victory over North Albury, built on a disciplined defensive effort and attacking connections.
The opening half proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides applying strong pressure across the court.
Emily McNamara was outstanding through the midcourt for Yarrawonga, reading the play superbly to take a number of crucial intercepts and consistently disrupt North Albury’s ball movement. Her defensive intent set the tone, while also providing valuable drive for her team in transition.
At the attacking end, the combination of Briar and Grace Eales continued to develop strongly, working seamlessly together in the goaling circle.
Their timing, movement and accuracy ensured Yarrawonga capitalised on scoring opportunities, keeping the scoreboard ticking over despite the pressure applied by the opposition.
After the main break, Yarrawonga lifted to another level, particularly with their defensive intensity. Kira, Grace Stillard and Jac combined brilliantly to apply relentless pressure, forcing multiple turnovers and creating valuable opportunities in attack.
Their ability to shut down North Albury’s forward momentum proved pivotal, as they repeatedly won back possession and transitioned the ball efficiently down the court.
Through the middle, Emma Sinclair and Stevie Driscoll were tireless, working hard all game to link defence and attack.
Their effort and consistency ensured Yarrawonga maintained control during key passages of play, particularly as the team began to pull away in the second half.
C Grade
Yarrawonga 48 defeated North Albury 29
Yarrawonga C Grade came away a strong win against North Albury with the team showing great determination and teamwork.
Yarra defenders worked consistently throughout the match. A special shoutout to Sophie Wilson, who applied consistent defensive pressure all over the court and created countless opportunities for the attackers.
Montana Moon’s movement and patience in the goal ring created great scoring opportunities, while her accurate shooting saw goals added one after another.
Under 17s
Yarrawonga 55 defeated North Albury 33
Yarrawonga 17s put together a strong performance at their home courts on a sunny day, defeating North Albury 55–33. Yarrawonga controlled much of the game, starting strongly with quick ball movement and tight defensive pressure.
Despite the warm conditions, they maintained intensity across all four quarters, turning turnovers into goals and steadily building their lead.
North Albury worked hard throughout and showed great persistence, continuing to compete strongly and push Yarrawonga at every opportunity, but Yarrawonga’s teamwork proved too strong in an impressive win.
Yarrawonga best players - Sienna Clarkson, Lenny Ramsdale & Lila Henley
Under 15s
A hard week for the Under 15s on the weekend as they took on North Albury who sit comfortably in the top 5.
The girls have been working hard, implementing defensive and attacking set plays to help them build cohesiveness across the court.
As the team still battles injury, and still yet to have a full side, the girls are doing a fabulous job week in and week out. Overall, the score did not reflect how well they played.
The girls worked together well, feeling nicely from defence to attack. The attack end was strong, remaining patient to the ensure a safe feed and a shot within range.
The team’s defence end worked tirelessly to pull intercepts and apply pressure, whilst playing against some very accurate shooters.
Unfortunately, the girls couldn’t come away with a win, but still, lots to be proud of.
The team now looks forward to a week off and then facing off against Wodonga Bulldogs.
Awards: Coaches award - Winnie Heffernan, Players player - Sophia Connell.