The Yarrawonga Pigeons have been dealt their first loss of the 2024 season with a loss to the Albury Tigers by the barest of margins.
After quarter time, the Pigeons only managed to kick two goals while Albury kicked five to secure the narrow victory in a low scoring affair.
The Pigeons got off to the best possible start, with Logan Morey receiving a handball receive from Michael Gibbons to launch one through from outside 50m on the run within the first 30 seconds of the game. Two minutes later, Leigh Williams marked on the lead and converted truly thanks to a brilliant block from Bailey Frauenfelder and a low, darting inside-50 from Lach Howe.
The Pigeons had two on the board in the blink of an eye. Albury were able to quickly respond with a scrappy ball inside 50m that landed fortuitously in the hands of Jacob Conlan, who was skilful enough to finish the goal. This would be the only goal for the Tigers however, as the Pigeons put a further two goals through the big sticks, both going to the electric Frauenfelder.
The second quarter saw a strong response from the Tigers, who seemingly looked at the crossroads not only in the game but their season.
The home side began to wrestle back the momentum with a strong physical presence around the ball.
Although playing with a slightly favourable breeze, the Tigers were far cleaner and composed with ball in hand than the Pigeons throughout the quarter.
Albury scored three unanswered goals to be just one point behind the ladder leaders heading into the main break.
In a tough, slogging affair nothing could separate the two sides as the game turned into a low scoring arm wrestle.
Albury were being well served by youngsters in King and Page while for the Pigeons it was Harry Wheeler, Leigh Masters, Dan Howe and Perry Lewis-Smith who looked up for the challenge.
With the Tigers holding a goal-and-a-half lead late in the final quarter, it looked likely that they would cause the upset. However, the Pigeons had one last throw at the stumps in an attempt to run the Tigers out.
Williams was held in the goal square to bring it back to two points with only minutes to spare.
Then it was Yarrawonga, again, who transitioned the ball from one end to the other in a flawless passage of play that finished in the hands of young Ben Coghill, who marked 35m out. The set shot faded right with the Tigers managing to see out the remaining seconds on the clock. Albury victorious in another classic game between the archrivals.
Reserves
Albury 1.3, 3.5, 7.8, 10.10.70
Yarrawonga 1.4, 3.4, 5.4, 7.7.49
Goalkickers: Jess Koopman 3, Tyler Bonat, Lochie Forge, Matthew Grinter, Mac Pendergast.
Best: Mac Pendergast, Tyler Bonat, Lochie Forge, Matthew Grinter, Jess Koopman, Jack O’Dwyer.
The Yarrawonga Reserves have fallen short of their third victory of the season, going down to the Albury Tigers by 21 points at the Albury Sportsground.
The Pigeons began on terms with the Tigers, bringing a strong contest and forcing a number of turnovers in the forward half. Mac Pendergast, undersized in the ruck, was doing a fantastic job of negating Albury big men whilst making them work on the spread. Tyler Bonat was busy in the engine room, getting his hands on the ball and moving it forward for the visitors.
Yarrawonga wanted to maintain a low-scoring contest while closing Albury’s space down around the ground. The Pigeons were successful in their efforts to do this, with the scores seeing Albury only hold a one-point advantage at the main break. Matt Grinter played a brilliant role for the team on the wing throughout the day, getting back and supporting the defence on countless occasions.
With limited rotations for the Pigeons, Albury were able to capitalise on having the fresher legs with a late flurry of goals in the third quarter.
The Pigeons were resolute in defence throughout large parts of the afternoon. Jack O’Dwyer has been an excellent addition to the line-up. His athleticism to compete in the air and on the ground has benefited the Pigeons enormously. Geoff Montgomery, back from senior duty, led from the front with his desperate defence.
The Pigeons continued to fight right until the end, with the likes of Lochie Forge and Jess Koopman showing their class at crucial times. Koopman was brilliant for the Pigeons and was able to kick three important majors - however it was the Tigers with too much polish and a few more contributors, hitting the scoreboard when it mattered most.
The Pigeons sit outside of the top five heading into the interleague bye, however, still remain upbeat and confident that they can build some continuity and momentum over the next six weeks to rise up the ladder.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 2.0, 2.0, 3.2, 5.2.32
Albury 2.7, 2.7, 4.7, 5.12 .42
Goalkickers: Jack Eales 2, Ryder Stevens, Cooper Webster.
Best: Blake Keenes, Zac Forge, Xavier Mitchell, Ryder Stevens, Tyrone Baxter, Samuel Bigger.
Pigeons Loft
Well, the day was not one to look back on too fondly at the Albury Sportsground. Three close games of footy but three losses. Two wins (A, B) in the netty but three other losses (U15, U17 - in a nail-biter - and C). Overall, two wins from eight games was not a great showing but that is competitive sport. The main footy match was a close contest all day and certainly indicated that both teams might just be thereabouts when the whips are cracking later in 2024. Congratulations to skipper Leigh Masters on playing his 50th match.
After the game the 2024 YFNC Club Ball was held at ClubMulwala. A special thanks goes to Vicky Long who worked with ClubMulwala to present the venue and arrange entertainment, with all in attendance having a great time. Vicky performs a huge amount work around the club and without her the place simply would not function.
With a bye this week our next game (June 1) is up the river to take on North Albury. There are top-three clashes in the netty and footy and both games will no doubt go down to the wire. Can’t wait to see some ripping matches.
On the long weekend Saturday, it is the Annual Past Players’ Day. Please reach out to Craig Ednie, Nick Dykes or Leigh Ramsdale to secure your spot on the outer in a marquee with an all-inclusive package to a great day.
Also, if you have not got your membership they are available at 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
Our Thursday Night Tea will not run this Thursday.
Awards – Football
1sts Daniel Howe
2nds Matt Grinter
3rds Jack Eales
Awards – Netball
These awards in 2024 will again be brought to by the Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle and Mint Boutique.
Important Dates:
June 8 – Annual Past Players Function at the JC Lowe Oval (midday)
