Netballers suffer first loss

Best: Emily Laracy, Kylie Leslie

A beautiful sunny autumn day made the drive to Yarrawonga’s second consecutive away game a pleasant one.

In A Grade, Myrtleford made the jump on the Pigeons early in the first quarter.

Defenders Emily Laracy, Kylie Leslie and Gemma Muldoon worked tirelessly to subdue a very well-oiled Myrtleford attack that featured some significant height.

Through perseverance they eventually generated turnovers to claw back some goals. The score fluctuated throughout the quarters but the Pigeons remained in deficit at each break.

Young gun Mylah Kennedy stepped onto the court late, demonstrating her pinpoint long-range accuracy. But it wasn’t enough to get the Pigeons over the line, going down by six goals.

Despite the loss, the day belonged to a Pigeons favourite in Kylie Leslie, playing in her 250th A Grade game and also making her a life member of the Ovens and Murray League. Congratulations Kylie on a stellar career, with more yet to come.

B Grade

Yarrawonga 42 defeated by Myrtleford 49

Best: Emily McNamara, Olivia Lovell

Coming off a strong win against Lavington, Yarrawonga knew it would be tough against a smart Myrtleford line-up.

Myrtleford got a jump straight away with an early lead at first break. The defensive line up of Annalise, Liv, Grace and Jac worked tirelessly. Midcourt lead by Em, Sophie and Maddi fed well into the goaling combinations of Briar, Dee and Abbey. Some great passages of play and high intensity had the girls within two goals going into the final quarter.

The B Grade girls fought hard all day in the hot conditions, but unfortunately went down by seven goals. The girls should feel encouraged by their fight and never give up attitude.

C Grade

Yarrawonga 44 defeated Myrtleford 26

Saturday’s grand final rematch against Myrtleford was an awesome game for the C Grade girls.

The team has really started to bond together after only three weeks of playing on court.

The communication on and off continues to put pressure on our opponents. That showed throughout the game with our goalies transitioning through different combinations seamlessly.

The pressure from our defensive end was a match to be reckoned with, allowing for the girls to come out with a win.

Under 17

Yarrawonga 35 defeated by Myrtleford 62

Awards: Coaches award: Lucy Judd; Players’ player: Mia Wheaton

Another beautiful sunny day in Myrtleford saw our under 17s come up against a strong Saints side. The Saints made a strong start, exhibiting pinpoint accuracy in the ring. Zoe Schweda was strong in defence, rebounding any missed goal and intercepting in the ring on debut.

Skai McConnell was versatile swapping from goals to defence during the game. Mila Fletcher and Claudia Cruikshank worked tirelessly in defence and on the ring and helped bring the ball down the court.

Our midcourters Emma Thompson, Mia Wheaton and Indy Wheeler worked hard in the midcourt to transition the ball from defence to attack, feeding beautifully into our shooters. Lucy Judd and Mylah Kennedy worked well together to try pin back the Saints’ lead with beautiful shooting and positioning in the ring. The Saints were too strong.

Under 15

Yarrawonga 17 defeated by Myrtleford 47

Best: Ruby O’Kane, Emily Liddell

The under 15s lost 47-17 to a strong Myrtleford team. Our girls showed much improvement from last year, trailing by only four goals at quarter time, and kept up with Myrtleford to halftime.

It was a hard fought game with Ruby shooting well, and Emily Liddell’s speed and defensive pressure in the midcourt helping our team stay in the game. However, Myrtleford proved too good and furthered their lead in the third and final quarters.

Pigeons Loft

First thing first, yes, it is Ladies Day this weekend and it is not too late to secure your spot to the picnic. Touch base with Cait Jaques, Vicky Long or Rach Cartwright to book your place in what will be a wonderful day with food and drinks from Jacyees and Cook and Co. It is sure to be a cracking day (and the best spot on a sunny autumn day).

Secondly, whilst we did not take the chocolates at Myrtleford, only securing three wins from eight outings, it was great to see the YFNC celebrate Kylie Leslie’s (Tyrell) 250th A Grade match, qualifying her for O and M Life Membership. What a star!

Also in the rooms before the 2pm game, Mitch Parker (2024 3rd XVII Captain) and Lochie Forge (3rd XVIII 2023) were presented with their debut jumpers and duly took care of business - hopefully, their first of what we hope are many wins for the Pigeons.

Also, congratulations to Myrtleford and John Pryor for securing the #bekindtoyourmind shield. Their work in this space is fundamental and the leadership is inspiring.

All over the Grove Oval on Saturday there will be a ripping contest. In the netball the two A Grades teams have had many close matches, and this week will be no different.

On the football oval, Wangaratta have been a benchmark for a long time in the O and M and you can only see the 2pm will be fierce from the first bounce.

If you have not got your membership, they are available at the gate next week or Hargrave’s 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.

Pigeon Con Ladies Day Advice: Feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.

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

Seniors – Ryan Bruce

Reserves – Cory Pearn

Thirds – Warrick Campbell

Awards – Netball

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

Important Dates:

April 20 – Ladies Day

May 18 – Annual Club Ball at Club Mulwala

June 8 – Annual Past Players Function at the JC Lowe Oval (noon).