Yarrawonga 4.2 7.4 8.8 12.12 (84) def Lavington 4.0 4.5 6.9 8.11 (59)
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Yarrawonga Best: Nicholas Irvine, Daniel Howe, Brad Ryan, Zac Fraser, Reid Clarke, Charley McKenna.
Lavington Best Players: Shaun Driscoll, Jack Glanvill, William Glanvill, Kaiden McNamara, Alex Bennett, James Buchanan.
Yarrawonga Goals: 4 - Bailey Frauenfelder, 2 - Charley McKenna.
Lavington Goals 3 - Sam Stening, 2 - Shaun Driscoll.
The Pigeons produced a gritty four-quarter performance to defeat Lavington by 25 points, overcoming adversity and a controversial third-quarter incident to strengthen their position heading towards the business end of the season.
The Pigeons made an impressive start and could easily have taken a bigger advantage into the first break. However, two leaked goals to Lavington kept them in touch and threatened to prove costly.
Lavington had their opportunities in the second quarter but failed to capitalise through inaccurate kicking, allowing the Pigeons to extend their lead to three goals by half-time.
The home side struck first after the main break and looked ready to put the game beyond doubt before the contest was turned on its head. In a decision that left all 44 players, the majority of the officiating umpires and the crowd bewildered, Ben Kennedy, fresh from VFL duties, was sent from the field.
Forced to play with 17 men against 18, the Pigeons showed tremendous resilience, limiting the damage to just two goals and keeping themselves in front heading into the final term.
The last quarter was an arm wrestle, with both teams repeatedly driving the ball forward only to be repelled by determined defensive efforts.
Eventually, the Pigeons' persistence and weight of numbers proved decisive. An even spread of contributors hit the scoreboard, while coach Williams' presence in attack brought the ball to ground and created opportunities for his teammates as the Pigeons pulled away to secure an outstanding 25-point victory.
Willie Wheeler was outstanding through the midfield, collecting 31 possessions, including an exceptional 18 contested possessions, while also driving the ball inside 50 on five occasions.
Wheeler’s work at the stoppages was instrumental in setting the tone for the Pigeons.
Reid Clarke continued his outstanding season with 24 possessions, seven contested possessions and five marks.
Those five marks lift Clarke into third place in the league for marks, highlighting his tireless running and ability to find space on the offensive side of the ball.
Dan Howe delivered a masterclass across half-back, gathering 23 possessions while controlling the tempo of the game with his composure and decision-making.
Nick Irvine produced arguably his best performance of the season, taking on Lavington's most dangerous forwards throughout the day and repeatedly winning crucial one-on-one contests deep in defence.
In the ruck, Jack Elliott dominated with 32 hit-outs, giving first use to midfielders Wilson and Wheeler, who were the major beneficiaries around the clearances.
The Pigeons now enjoy a bye before returning home for a massive clash against Myrtleford on Saturday, 18 July.
With another important four points on the board, they are well positioned to make a strong push towards September football.
Reserves fade after Competitive first half
Finals score: Yarrawonga 3.1 4.3 5.4 6.5 (41) def by Lavington 2.15.3 10.9 14.13 (97)
Goals: Matt McCabe 2, Andrew Dickins 2.
The Pigeons' Second XVIII were unable to match Lavington's intensity after half-time, going down 14.13 (97) to 6.5 (41) in a high-stakes clash with fifth position on the ladder up for grabs.
Played on a ground that was in remarkably good condition despite a week of rain, the contest was an entertaining shootout in the opening half.
Yarrawonga started strongly to lead by a goal at the first break before the sides traded blows throughout the second term.
The Pigeons trailed by just six points at half-time after matching the well-drilled Panthers with their pressure and contested football.
Unfortunately, the game turned after the main break as injuries began to take their toll.
The loss of key position players Eales and Muldoon shortened the rotation and appeared to take the wind out of the Pigeons' sails.
Lavington's superior fitness and ability to maintain pressure and intensity proved decisive as the visitors piled on nine second-half goals to just two from the Pigeons.
Andrew Dickins continued his consistent run of form, providing an important target deep in attack while also giving the side a contest in the ruck.
His two goals capped another strong performance, although the Pigeons will be looking to improve their delivery inside 50 to better utilise his marking strength.
There was also plenty to like about the return of Ryder Stevens, who showed his pace and class with ball in hand at various stages throughout the game.
Captain Tom McKimme led from the front, starting strongly and battling hard all day in his customary fashion.
Around the contest, Bigger and Kealy produced two of their best performances of the season, working tirelessly to match the Panthers at the coalface and never giving in despite the mounting pressure. Unfortunately, they were left wanting more support as Lavington gained control after half-time.
The Pigeons' trademark pressure and contested football, which had been a feature of the opening half, disappeared after the break as the Panthers took control of the contest.
While the first half showed the side is capable of matching quality opposition, the second half highlighted the importance of sustaining that intensity for four quarters.
Matt McCabe finished with two goals alongside Dickins as the Pigeons' multiple goal scorers.
With the bye arriving at the perfect time, the Pigeons now have an opportunity to reset, recover from injuries and launch into the final part of the season.
With finals hopes still well and truly alive, all attention now turns to an important home clash against Myrtleford on Saturday, 18 July.
Thirds big win
Yarrawonga 4.2 7.4 11.6 15.11 (101) def Lavington 2.4 4.5 5.5 6.8 (44)
Best: James Cummins, Lenny Lonergan, Samuel Trembath, Archie Jaques, Jai Sneddon, Oliver Tresize.
Goals: Samuel Trembath 5, James Cummins 2, Jai Sneddon 2.
After a string of disappointing losses and a dip in form, the Young Pigeons desperately needed a win. Enter Lavington, a side still clinging to its finals hopes, and the Pigeons seized the opportunity to get their season back on track with an impressive performance.
The opening quarter was an even affair, and it quickly became apparent the contest would be an arm wrestle.
Jimmy Cummins set the tone early, combining explosive pace with fierce attack on the football. His willingness to take the game on and his aggression at the contest inspired his teammates and provided plenty of drive through the midfield.
Across half-back, Lenny Lonergan was outstanding. Wearing the famous No. 22 once made synonymous with "Big Sauce", Lonergan channelled the calm, laconic style of Marc Lonergan, repeatedly intercepting Lavington's forward entries before creating time and space with his composed ball use.
Up forward, Sam Trembath continued his excellent season, proving a constant threat inside 50.
His return of five goals was just reward for another dominant display and ensured the Pigeons always had a reliable focal point in attack.
Jai Sneddon and Archie Jacques also played important roles, producing strong four-quarter performances as the Young Pigeons rediscovered the pressure, run and teamwork that had been missing in recent weeks.
The timely victory returns the Young Pigeons to the winners' list heading into the bye.
They will now turn their attention to a crucial clash with Myrtleford, where another win will be vital in keeping their season heading in the right direction.