Yarrawonga: 3.2, 8.2, 10.2, 12.5: 77
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Corowa: 4.2, 5.3, 7.6, 7.8: 50
Best: Yarrawonga: C. Wilson, H. Wheeler, R. Bruce, N. Irvine, N. Fothergill, J. Urquhart.
Corowa: J. Rowston, N. Richards, J. Cresswell, T. Forrest, R. Murphy, B. Kantilla.
Goals: Yarrawonga: N. Irvine 4, Z. Fraser 2, J. Hargreaves 2, R. Clarke, M. Findlay, N. Fothergill.
Corowa: B. Kantilla 3, K. Bradtke 2, J. Cresswell, N. Richards.
Seniors
Yarrawonga showed immense grit and depth to grind out a 27-point win over Corowa-Rutherglen on Saturday in Round 12 of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League, claiming a victory in front of a strong home crowd.
Despite a growing injury list and a lack of rotations for most of the match, the Pigeons controlled the contest for large patches, particularly in a dominant final quarter where they kept the Roos goalless while piling on scoreboard pressure themselves.
Nick Fothergill led the way in the midfield with a commanding performance, collecting a game-high 29 disposals and hitting the scoreboard with a classy goal.
Captain Harry Wheeler was instrumental in the contest, with 25 touches and a staggering 12 tackles he had set the tone with his trademark work rate.
Ned Pendergast also impressed across half-back, gathering 25 disposals while holding Corowa’s star forward Kaelan Bradtke to just two goals, well below his usual output.
After nine and a half months on the sidelines, Ryan Bruce made his long-awaited return to competition, adding composure and class through the midfield.
Sidelined since last September’s grand final loss with a hamstring tendon injury, and further delayed by a recent calf strain, Bruce slotted straight back into the side, showing sharp ball use and leadership despite being on restricted minutes.
Bruce’s return came at a crucial time for Yarrawonga, who lost Michael Gibbons (calf) and Dan Howe (hamstring) during the game, while Ben Coghill was sidelined just five minutes in after suffering a broken nose.
The Pigeons were left with minimal rotations for most of the afternoon, but their ability to adapt and fight through adversity was a testament to the group’s character.
With no recognised ruckman available, the Pigeons turned to Max Findlay and Matt McCabe to carry the load in the middle against 201cm Corowa-Rutherglen big man Nathan Richards.
Giving away plenty of height, both competed bravely and ensured Yarrawonga remained competitive around stoppages.
Nick Irvine continued his recent run of form up forward, finishing with four goals to lead the O&M for the round.
Jensen Hargreaves and Zac Fraser each booted two, providing strong support in attack. Cam Wilson was again a key figure through the middle with his clean ball use and ability to find space under pressure.
The final quarter was where Yarrawonga truly took control, locking the ball inside their forward half and preventing the Roos from generating any meaningful attack.
Their defensive pressure and composure in possession were telling as they closed the game out in professional fashion.
Despite the injury setbacks, the club’s depth and resilience were again on full display in a match that demanded heart, pressure, and belief.
The Pigeons will now face the tough ask of heading to Myrtleford to take on the in-form Saints on their home ground in the final game before the well-earned bye after a long seven week stretch of football.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 6.10.46 def by Corowa Rutherglen 7.14.56.
Best: W. Lutula, B. Schofield, D. Walsh-hall, S. Trembath, J. Eales, D. Flanagan.
Goals: D. Flanagan, W. Lutula, S. Oswald, B. Schofield, D. Symes.
The Pigeons Reserves have yet again fallen narrowly to their opponent, going down by 10 points to an inform Corowa Rutherglen outfit.
In a great addition to the side in recent weeks, Willy Lutula showed enormous energy and skill as he was thrown into the midfield.
Joining him in creating superb midfield drive was Bronson Schofiled who yet again led from the front all day.
Dillon Walsh Hall and Jack Eales both played their respective roles to a tee.
Walsh Hall was forced to ruck this week and stood tall in key moments taking some crucial marks around the ground whilst Eales was superb in defence being thrown the challenge to lock down Corowa’s key dangerous forward and held him goalless after quarter time.
Sam Trembath stepped up from the thirds to play two games in the day and was a brilliant contributor for the Pigeons, adding a slick element to the team.
The highlight of the day however came through club legend Scott Oswald, who weaved his way through traffic, selling candy to kick a beautiful long goal on the run.
Although not getting the points, the effort across the board from the undermanned Pigeons has been noticeable to the eye.
Thirds
Yarrawonga: 0.3, 2.5, 4.5, 7.7: 49
Corowa Rutherglen 4.2, 7.2, 10.5, 11.8: 74
Best: Yarrawonga: S. Bigger, O. Watson, A. Jaques, T. Clarkson, A. Skehan, N. Grieves.
Corowa: D. Purcell, H. Hall, J. Lavis, A. Massey, C. Marjanovic, I. Dickinson.
Goals: Yarrawonga: N. Grieves 2, L. Eales, A. Jaques, A. Skehan, S. Trembath, O. Tresize.
Corowa: D. Purcell 5, H. Hall 2, A. Coghill, I. Dickinson, J. Forge, L. Webb.
Pigeons Loft
Round Recap – Football & Netball
Indigenous round - The sun was shining at the JC Lowe oval, with a great day being had both on the field and court.
Five netball wins and a good Senior football win was enjoyed across the board by the Pigeons, although not without a few casualties.
A few stand-outs for the day, but none more so than Whoopa Irvine who booted 4 goals. The Reserves side narrowly missed out again by a couple of points but have done remarkably well despite not having a team by Thursday night.
Mental Health Luncheon – August 9
The Pigeons are proud to announce their upcoming Mental Health Luncheon, to be held during the home game against North Albury.
Guest speaker: Tom Boyd.
Tom’s story is compelling, and his insights into mental health in elite sport are essential listening for anyone involved in club life.
Tickets will be in high demand — keep an eye on our socials for details
This Week – Away vs Myrtleford
This weekend, the Pigeons travel to Myrtleford, which is always great contests in all grades.
Netball: Don’t miss the 1pm A Grade game: 4 th plays 7 th, it’s always a tough slog against the Myrtleford girls who challenge hard.
Football: The 2pm seniors clash will be another hard game, 5 th plays 8 th, the Senior footballers are up for the challenge.
The reserve game will also be a tough battle, with Myrtleford currently placed 2 nd on the ladder.
Junior Netball: The two 17’s sides are neck to neck, with Myrtleford one game ahead. Should be a good one to watch.
Major Partners Thank You
Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, RuralCo, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance — the club couldn’t do it without you.
Thursday Night Teas
Join the Pigeons every Thursday for a warm meal, team announcements, and all the latest club news.
Note: During bye rounds, check socials for updates.
2025 Awards Sponsors
A huge thank you to Yarrawonga Hotel, Wig Chop, The Linen House, Rich Glen, Mint Boutique, Free As A Bird, Miss Dolly, Intersport Wingate’s, Jacyees and One Zach, for your ongoing support.
Yarrawonga Chronicle