The Yarrawonga Pigeons have turned in a strong performance against finals contender North Albury with a 46-point victory over the Hoppers at Bunton Park. The Pigeons had two weeks to stew over the disappointing result against Albury and were eager to rectify their form to get back onto the winners list.
In the early stages of the contest, the Pigeons were outplayed by the Hoppers with the home side dominating possession and the territory battle. The Pigeons were taking their time to adjust to the conditions as it took close to 10 minutes of game time to register their first inside-50.
After the sluggish start, it was Bailey Frauenfelder who got the ball rolling for the Pigeons, crumbing a deep entry to snap through his side’s first of the day. Minutes later it was ‘Basil’ again. This time it was a slick handball to put Dan Howe in space who snapped truly to give the Pigeons their second. Ben Coghill, an unlikely crumber, snapped up a brilliant opportunistic goal after a strong Leigh Williams contest to give the Pigeons a handy break just before quarter-time. The visitors were beginning to get the game on their terms through the strong work of Perry Lewis-Smith, Harry Wheeler, Lach Howe and Leigh Masters.
The second term saw the game open up dramatically with eight goals being kicked, and five of these would go in favour of the Pigeons. Damien Wilson wasted no time as he pounced on a loose ball inside the attacking arc within the first 25 seconds to give his side the perfect start to the quarter.
North Albury looked as though they were content on chipping the ball around in the back half, which was inviting the Pigeons to press up and eventually cause a spillage or turnover. Yarrawonga made sure they capitalised on any mistake made by foot, turning the ball over in the front half and going back the other way. Wilson chopped off a poor kick into the corridor which then, in turn, ended up in the hands of Dan Howe, who made the Hoppers pay with his second goal of the day.
Credit must go to the Hoppers as they pushed strongly to kick three goals in the space of seven minutes which came as a shock to most given how the game was being played. However, as good teams do, the Pigeons responded. Goals to Coghill, Williams and Casey at the back end of the quarter settled things down for the visitors as they took a solid 28-point buffer into the main break.
Although winning the third quarter on the scoreboard, the Pigeons were wasteful in front of the big sticks with opportunities lost to put the Hoppers away. Leigh Masters was back to his brilliant best and got better as the game wore on. The Morris Medallist controlled the airways, taking 17 marks for the day, a number of which were classic intercept grabs which Pigeons supporters have become accustomed to seeing over recent times.
Dan Howe continued his impressive game, kicking his third goal whilst Bailey Frauenfelder continued to prove to be a headache up forward - kicking his second.
Perry Lewis-Smith continued his rich vein of form, closing out the game in emphatic fashion with two final quarter goals. Lewis-Smith has without doubt stamped his name as one of the premier players in the competition and looms as a major part of the Pigeon puzzle in their quest to go back-to-back this season.
Yarrawonga ran away convincing 46-point winners and are primed for a mouth-watering clash against second-placed Wangaratta Rovers in the King’s Birthday Weekend blockbuster at the JC Lowe Oval.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 3.1, 6.3, 9.6, 14.6.90
North Albury 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.1.25
Goalkickers: Matthew Grinter 3, Hunter Frauenfelder 2, Jack Robinson.
Best: Jess Koopman, Brock McCabe, Matthew Grinter, Reid Clarke, Cameron Tregenza, Tom McKimmie.
The Yarrawonga Reserves have secured a critical victory over North Albury which keeps their finals hopes well and truly alive.
The Pigeons fielded their strongest line up for the year but knew they had to put a strong effort in to get the important four points.
Yarrawonga jumped out of the blocks with a hot start, kicking the first three goals of the game. Midfielders Jess Koopman and Doug Arnold were brilliant early, getting their hands on the ball.
Up forward, Brock McCabe, Matt Grinter and Hunter Frauenfelder emerged as big threats to the opposition. Grinter - in his 250th game for the YFNC - had a day out, kicking five majors.
President Ross Mulquiney spoke pre-game about Grinter’s longevity and the major role he has played in the stability of the club, ensuring the reserves grade competed at a high level for over a decade.
The Pigeons’ back six was rock solid all day with Jack O’Dwyer, Geoff Montgomery, Tom McKimmie and skipper Cory Pearn leading the way.
Yarrawonga were impressive with the way they had a collective buy-in from all players to get the result they were looking for.
The victory lifts the reserves up the ladder, with an important game against the Wangaratta Rovers to come. A win would see them enter the top five for the first time this season.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 5.1, 5.4, 7.5, 8.8.56
North Albury 1.1, 2.1, 2.5, 5.7.37
Goalkickers: Jack Eales 4, Mitchell Parker, Gus Saunders.
Best: Jack Eales, Zac Forge, Patrick Waugh, Mitchell Parker, Lucas Eales.
