Debutants shine in gutsy netball win

With the Pigeons, Raiders and Hoppers all locked on two losses each, every result counts, and Saturday’s game was no exception.

In challenging circumstances with ongoing injuries and player unavailability, Yarrawonga’s depth and development focus came to the fore as three debutants stepped on to the court.

Among them was rising star Chloe Liddell, who is remarkably only 13 years old, shared the wing attack duties with fellow first-gamer Emma Sinclair.

Both handled the pressure with maturity and will be better for the run.

Grace Stillard has enjoyed a strong B Grade season and impressed with a composed stint in goal defence on her A Grade debut.

The coaches continue to trial combinations throughout the squad, and the adaptability of players such as Kaleisha Pell, who rotated seamlessly between goal attack and goal defence, has proven invaluable.

Maddy Allen was prolific under the goal post, as she scored 27 of the home teams 37 goals.

It was the leadership and poise of Laura Davis through the centre that truly anchored the side.

Her tenacity, guidance of the younger players and cool control in transition was a clear standout.

Defensive grit from Tilly Kennedy in wing defence and goal keeper Hannah Symes in the second half, ensured the Pigeons could build a winning margin after a tightly contested first half of netball.

Best: Laura Davis and Hannah Symes.

B Grade

Yarrawonga 64 def Albury 22

The Pigeons came off a one goal loss the week prior, which motivated B Grade to get back on the winner’s board.

The defensive end of Kiera, Grace and Kirby have been consistently tremendous this season. They had made interceptions and rebounds which gave the Pigeons attack chances.

Emma, Alisha, Sarah and Jac ran the mid court tirelessly and fed beautifully to the shooting end of Ellie, Dee and Grace, who were incredibly accurate all day.

It was a fantastic team effort.

A huge congratulations to Emma and Grace, who made their A Grade debuts on the weekend.

Best: Ellie Dickins and Dee Moon.

C Grade

Yarrawonga 64 def Albury 18

The Yarrawonga Pigeons C Grade netball team secured a solid win over the Albury Tigers in a competitive weekend clash.

The Pigeons played to their strengths while also trialling some fresh combinations on court, which proved effective across all four quarters.

Grace Eales and Emma Thompson stood out with strong performances, earning this week’s best-on awards.

Overall, it was a confident display from the Pigeons.

Under 17

Yarrawonga 33 defeated Albury 31

The girls had a close game against Albury but came away with the win.

The Under 17s worked as a team excellently, with strong encouragement for each other throughout the match.

The side were fortunate to have had Emily and Winnie step up from the Under 15s, which helped the team defensively.

Kendall transitioned amazingly between each end of the court, and moved around the ring well.

Jedda, Miley, Stevie and Lily used strong drives and passes to move the ball down the court.

Sophie, Leni, Stevie and Kendall’s movement and accuracy in the goal ring was electric, even with the rotation of players each quarter.

It was a very well-played game and a great win.

Under 15

Yarrawonga 30 def by Albury 31

The Under 15s had a nail-biting match against Albury.

A close encounter throughout, the Under 15s defensive end was strong, and had taken lots of intercepts and brought the ball down the court well.

The midcourt and shooters brought the ball down well and the Pigeons continued to remain accurate.

The Under 15s had lots of changes throughout the game, and the girls adapted to perfection.

Unfortunately, the side went down by a goal in the dying seconds of the game, but a great game was had and are becoming a well-oiled machine.

Best: Coaches award - Emily Liddell, Players player - Winnie Heffernan.