Masters win on the road, Young Pigeons sweep Panthers

Yarrawonga’s Masters team has prevailed in its second encounter, defeating Moorabool Crocs by four points on the road. With an overnight stay in Geelong ahead of the side’s second-ever game on Sunday, the 35-plus side went into the match with just 17 men but the Crocs were willing to spare their one bench player. With captain Andrew Simmons unavailable this week, Stu ‘Stickers’ Cossar filled the void and also nominated himself to be the bus driver – fulfilling both duties tremendously.

The Masters started with much gusto in the centre with co-coach ‘Stretch’ Kelly in the ruck with a centre-square trio of Benny Douglass, Ben Lawless and Hayden Long. The onballers were able to give the forwards the first opportunity to hit the scoreboard, with co-coach Shaun Hawking orchestrating an attack of ‘Swampy’ Lincoln, Steve Datson, Dylan Melkovs, Trent Russell and Dean Briffa. That forward line caused many headaches for the opposition backline and Briff was on the scoreboard early, adding another in a matter of minutes.

The Crocs started to deliver a more physical and accountable style of play but the Pigeons were able to withstand - the defensive six ably led by Dodge Sugden, with John Burns applying great pressure alongside Wayne “Fozz” Foster and Hayden Kennedy. A great long clearing kickout from first-gamer for the club, Peter ‘Fossil’ Beasley turned back the clock to show glimpses of his silky best from many years ago. Phil Freestone showed agility and speed on the wing, as Hawk marked strongly to slot through the third with Briffa and Longy following with majors. But the Crocs counterattacked - hitting the scoreboard three times.

More goals to Briff and Longy in the third put the Pigeons in control, and the side ran out the game to sneak in for the win. Thanks to Jeremy Ormon who made journey down as an injured player and acted as bench coach, water boy and photographer. Best: Ben Lawless, Dean Briffa, Hayden Long, Duane Kelly, Phil Freestone, Dodge Sugden.

Yarrawonga AWJFL football

Under 16s

Report not submitted.

Yarrawonga 10.15.75 defeated Lavington 7.7.49

Goals: Mitch Tyson 3, Lachlan Wren 2, James Cummins 1, Arhcie Jaques 1, Archie Skehan 1, Cameron Stephens 1, Lucas Tonna 1.

Best: Archie Skehan, Mitch Tyson, Lucas Kaine, Archie Jaques, Declan Wood, Lucas Tonna.

Under 14s

Yarrawonga 15.12.102 defeated Lavington 1.2.6

Goals: D Skehan 7, Dec Reeves 2, S Cummins, T Thomson, J Maxted, B Stevens, H Ramsdale.

Awards: Club - D Skehan; YMH Socks - M Coll; Wingates - J Maxted.

Yarrawonga turned on the beautiful weather again on Sunday which set the scene to play host to the traveling Lavington Panthers in a great day of junior footy.

The U14s took to the contest with confidence and energy right from the word go and it didn't take long to register the first major of the match.

From that time on it was evident that the Pigeons could work through the contest and maintain a strong grip on the game.

Archie Skehan began with relentless attack on the goals in the first quarter that set up our position for the rest of the match. It was like a goal kicking frenzy from the classy number three who finished with seven for the day and led the charge by example making the most of every opportunity.

The midfield group were terrific in the traffic, giving plenty drive out of the middle to penetrate the forward attack. All our players were swapped around with positional change and had lots of opportunity to try their hand in different positions.

Jack Ibrahim again provided plenty of drive across halfback and through the middle and was able to show us that touch of class, being clean by foot and rewarding a leading player down field with effective supply. Dec Reeves again was effective, always on the move and taking on the contest.

Another highlight of the day was midway through the second when the ball found its way deep into our attack zone. A one-on-one ensured between Joc Maxted and his direct opponent. Joc won the ball and grabbed his opportunity to register his first goal for the Yarrawonga Pigeons.

Let’s keep up the momentum as we travel away next Sunday to take on St Pats.

Under 12s

Yarrawonga 5.7.37 defeated Lavington 0.1.1

Goals: Tom Hicks 2, Oscar Leary 2, Raffa Leary 1.

Best: Finnin George, Elliot Tresize, Oscar Leary, Harlem Doric, Ryder Briffa, Dayne Bromley.

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, Yarrawonga’s youngest Pigeons played host to Lavington.

With Yarra kicking to the river end the boys started well, locking the ball inside their forward 50 for the majority of the quarter but only to register the one major for the term. On the few occasions Lavington got the ball past halfway, Yarrawonga’s defence stood tall.

Yarrawonga came out firing in the second, piling on three goals to take a 27-point lead at halftime. The game was fairly even after that with Yarrawonga scoring one goal to Lavington’s zero, running out eventual winners by 36 points.

It was a fantastic team effort with everyone contributing and playing their part. Finnin George and Elliot Tresize were fantastic in the midfield.

Oscar Leary was a great target up forward with Dayne Bromley at his feet, and Harlem Doric and Ryder Briffa provided plenty of run off halfback.