Pigeons jump Panthers, Fothergill injured

Goals: Leigh Williams 4, Matt Casey 2, Ben Coghill, Nick Fothergill, Logan Morey.

Best: William Wheeler, Harrison Wheeler, Ryan Bruce, Lach Howe, Tyler Lovell, Ned Pendergast.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons have secured the all-important four points against the Panthers on their first road trip in season 2024.

In slippery conditions, the Pigeons were able to control the game from the outset, setting up a strong lead which would eventually be too big for the Panthers to cut back.

The contest began with Matt Casey picking up where he left off last week, booting through the first two goals of the game in a hot start for the Pigeons.

Yarrawonga’s tackling pressure was on the money early. Tyler Lovell played like a man possessed with his ability to stick strong tackles all throughout the game. Lovell’s intent clearly set the scene for the Pigeons, as young debutant Hunter Frauenfelder then followed suit, laying a bone-crunching tackle in the defensive 50 to win the ball back for his team.

Logan Morey snared a brilliant opportunistic goal from a forward 50 stoppage which was the third major for the Pigeons and brought an end to a positive quarter for the visiting team.

Early in the second, it was the ever-dangerous Nick Fothergill who was awarded a free kick for high contact inside 50. The sharp-shooter slotted it through with ease as the lead grew even further.

The Panthers were finally able to hit the scoreboard through an error in the back half from the Pigeons which resulted in a goal.

A late goal to Leigh Williams saw the Pigeons take a 25-point lead at the main break.

Yarrawonga were being well served from big man Lach Howe who was dominant in the ruck. Whilst midfielders Willie and Harry Wheeler were superb in giving the Pigeons great drive.

As the sun broke through the clouds for the first time all day, Leigh Williams presented and converted beautifully from the set shot to kick his second and the Pigeons sixth for the afternoon.

And when youngster Ben Coghill brilliantly roved his own ruckwork to boot through a remarkable goal from long range, the Pigeons had blown the score out to a game-high 40 points.

The Panthers were able to hit back with two unanswered goals which gave them a glimmer of hope. The Pigeons momentum seemingly halted following a sickening clash which involved Pigeon star Fothergill who collided heavily with a Lavington player. The collision resulted in a short delay to the game. It was a 29-point margin at the final change.

Although having the game in control, the Pigeons somewhat took the foot off the pedal in the final quarter, allowing Lavington to get within 11 points come the final siren.

The Pigeons will be looking to recover strongly this week as they gear up for another road trip, this time to Myrtleford for the round three clash.

The YFNC would like to wish superstar Nick Fothergill all the very best as he recovers from a broken collarbone following the collision in the third quarter on Saturday afternoon. Fothergill underwent surgery on Sunday night and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Reserves.

Lavington 3.1, 6.3, 9.5, 11.10.76

Yarrawonga 0.2, 1.2, 1.2, 1.2.8

Goal: Matt McCabe.

Best: Douglas Arnold, Matt McCabe, Lochie Forge, Cameron Tregenza, Mitchell Parker, Cory Pearn.

The Yarrawonga Reserves have suffered a 68-point defeat at the hands of the Lavington Panthers in round two.

With eight changes being made to the side due to injury and unavailability, the Pigeons were always up against it on their first away trip of the season.

The Panthers proved far too strong around the ball as they worked harder to outnumber the Pigeons around the ground.

Douglas Arnold battled hard in the midfield whilst he was supported at different times via talented thirds players in Mitch Parker and Griffin Surrey, who doubled up for the day.

Cam Tregenza, Cory Pearn and Alex Kealy all showed strong defensive fight, winning a number of one-on-one battles throughout the day.

Matt McCabe was gallant, being thrown around in a number of different positions throughout the afternoon. McCabe was the soul goal kicker for the Pigeons.

Thirds

Lavington 4.5 6.6 8.13 11.16.82

Yarrawonga 0.0, 0.2, 0.2, 0.2.2

Best: Mitchell Parker, Xavier Mitchell, Joseph Lee-Conway, Seth Johnson, Samuel Bigger, Zac Forge.

Netball

A Grade

Yarrawonga 39 defeated Lavington 27

Best: Kylie Leslie, Emily Laracy

Yarrawonga moved to 2-0 for the season after defeating last year’s premier.

B Grade

Yarrawonga 49 defeated Lavington 15

Best: Annalise Grinter, Jaclyn Oswald

B Grade secured their first win of the season with a big victory over the Panthers.

C Grade

Yarrawonga 46 defeated Lavington 41

Best: Aleisha Harding, Matilda Jaques

The 2023 premiership side continues its winning streak with its second win of the season.

17 and Under

Yarrawonga 31 lost to Lavington 35

Best: Eva Cummins, Mia Wheaton

An improved performance in round two by this new-look team, with Yarrawonga just missing out on their first win.

15 and Under

Yarrawonga 18 lost to Lavington 44

Best: Leni Ramsdale, Emily Judd

The 15 and Under side continued to show improvement from last year.

Pigeons Loft

After a hot start to 2024 the weather certainly turned within six days. A wet and chilly Lavington greeted the Pigeons resulting in a tied result for the day with four wins and four losses. Once again, the netballers more than held up their side of the bargain. In the rooms before the 2pm game it was great to see Geoff Montgomery and Hunter Frauenfelder presented with their debut jumpers.

This weekend the YFNC celebrates Kylie Leslie’s (Tyrell) 250th A Grade match, qualifying her for Ovens and Murray Life Membership. Kylie has simply been a star of the side for more years than she might care to remember. Her agility, pace and power at GD defies her lithe frame. Undoubtedly, there are many GAs in the netball world that have nightmares about facing Kylie. As capable ball in hand as defending. Not only that, Kylie also coaches our junior squads. The YFNC would like to pause and acknowledge the huge contribution you Kylie have made, KT, the jokes not so much, but you have been a powerhouse defender, long may it continue.

Next week is also KT’s favourite day, Ladies Day and the excitement you can feel just might be the fillies lining up for the Mint Boutique Ladies Day on April 20. We cannot confirm ticket availability, but I am sure if you hunt down Paris Bonat or Cait Jaques you might be able to enjoy a day on the new green area. With warm weather predicted it is sure to be a great event including a cocktail bar and all the finery of a true Ladies’ Day. The Club would like to thank Paris and her band of helpers including Anna Barnes (Bang Events) and Caitlin Jaques, the garden party function is not to be missed.

This week we head up the Ovens to Myrtleford and we wish all teams the best, fingers and toes crossed we can again pull out a few Ws to enjoy the slow bus ride home.

If you have not got your membership, they are available at the gate next week or Hargraves during business hours: 16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga.

We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: ClubMulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, betr, RuralCo, the Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and BG Finance.

Thursday Nights

In Season 2024 our Thursday Night Teas will continue each Thursday night before an Ovens and Murray match. With the byes weekends we will do our best to keep you informed – Follow/Like our Facebook page to keep updated.

Awards – Football

1sts William Wheeler

2nds Doug Arnold

3rds Mitch Parker

Awards – Netball

These awards in 2024 will again be brought to by the Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle and Mint Boutique.

Important Dates:

20 April – Ladies Day

18 May – Annual Club Ball at ClubMulwala

8 June – Annual Past Players Function at the JC Lowe Oval (12pm)