Pigeons hold off gritty Saints

Goals: Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams 5, Ben Coghill 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Dan Howe 1, Jess Koopman 1, Perry Lewis – Smith 1, Cam Wilson 1.

Myrtleford: Riley Calvene 1, Ashton McPherson 1, Josh Muraca 1, Brody Ricardi 1, Levi Young 1.

Best: Yarrawonga: Ned Pendergast, Leigh Williams, Daniel Howe, Lach Howe, Harrison Wheeler, Perry Lewis-Smith.

Myrtleford: Zac Pethybridge, Matthew Munro, Ashton McPherson, Lachlan P Hourigan, Josh Muraca, Simon Curtis.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons overpowered a gritty Myrtleford outfit with a 39-point victory at the JC Lowe Oval last Saturday as spectators flocked through the gates to take full advantage of the glorious conditions with a number of local teams having the bye.

The eighth placed Saints began the game on terms with the Pigeons as they were able to match the ladder leaders in the contest. The Pigeons struggled with their connection in the front half as they couldn’t quite finish off their work going inside fifty.

Leigh Masters showed strong signs that he is getting back to his best with a number of intercept marks early on in the game.

The Pigeons clicked into gear in the second quarter after surprisingly being out scored in the first. Three unanswered goals gave the Pigeons a healthy lead at the main change. Perry Lewis Smith continued his rich vein of form, slicing through the Saints with his slick ball use.

Dan Howe showed his class yet again as he worked into the game nicely whilst Willie Wheeler was getting his hands on the ball at crucial times around the stoppages.

Down back, the impenetrable force of Ned Pendergast was yet again a shining light. The 21 year old continues to be the key pillar in defence whilst launching attacks with his lethal foot skills.

Myrtleford showed real determination in the third quarter as they bridged the gap to reduce the margin to just 7-points at three quarter time.

The Pigeons playing nowhere near their best, looked like a live chance to drop just their second game of the season.

Ryan Einsporn, unheralded at times, was superb throughout the afternoon. The running defender gave the Pigeons plenty of run and drive whilst also laying important tackles when needed.

A noticeable lift in work rate to begin the final quarter was evident as Harry Wheeler, Bailey Frauenfelder and Leigh Williams lead the way to ensure that the Pigeons didn’t let this game slip.

Harry, as tough as they come, was enormous in the final quarter winning critical contests for his team.

Fraunfelder was swung forward in what proved to be a vital move of the magnets. The electric ‘Basil’ provided the spark which he has done many times before.

Leigh Williams stood tall as he piled on the goals in the final term. The key forward finished the day with 5 majors to help his team roar away from the Saints late in the game.

The Pigeons 39-point victory leads them into a huge game against the in-form Wangaratta Magpies this weekend at the Norm Minns Oval.

OakFM Player of the Year votes: 5 Ned Pendergast, 4 Zac Pethybridge (Myrt), 3 Dan Howe, 2 Leigh Williams, 1 Ashton McPherson (Myrt).

Leaderboard: Isaac Muller (Alb) 32, Tim Broomhead (NA) 25.

Yarra top 2: Ned Pendergast 19, Willie Wheeler 18.

Reserves

Yarrawonga 9.4.58 def Myrtleford 5.9.39.

The Yarrawonga reserves have continued on their winning ways with an important 19-point victory over the Myrtleford Saints.

The Pigeons were forced to yet again make a number of changes to their line-up however this would provide opportunities for multiple thirds players to step in which they have done many times throughout the season.

Ryder Stevens, Mitch Parker, Jack Eales and Joe Conway all made great contributions to the win.

The ‘little master’ Craig Ednie stepped in for the reserves once more and the champ didn’t take long to make an impact with two goals to his name.

Todd Muldoon continues his solid form with another two goals. The lead up forward has shown a great work ethic and is standing out as a real leader amongst the group.

With their season on the line, Myrtleford would throw everything they had at the Pigeons to keep their finals hopes alive.

However, the Pigeons would prove too strong across the board to hold them off.

Will Robinson put in a best on ground display for the Pigeons. The nuggety on-baller was everywhere all day showing his senior experience.

Matt McCabe put in his best performance for the year. The high flyer was thrown around in multiple positions but made a significant impact on the game where ever he went.

The experience of Matt Grinter has been a strong factor in the Pigeons resurgence this season. Cool, calm and collected with ball in hand, the 250+ gamer has been a general off the half back flank.

The Pigeons will look forward to testing their solid form against ladder leaders Wangaratta Magpies.

Goals: Craig Ednie 2, Todd Muldoon 2, Reid Clarke 1, Brock McCabe 1, Matt McCabe 1, Will Robinson 1.

Best: Will Robinson, Reid Clarke, Geoffrey Montgomery, Matthew Grinter, Matt McCabe, Todd Muldoon.

Thirds

Yarrawonga 3.1, 7.3, 11.4, 17.6.108.

Myrtleford 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 4.4.28.

Goals: N/A.

Best: Yarrawonga: Tommy Marriner, Blake Keenes, Joseph Lee-Conway, Patrick Waugh, Archie Skehan, Griffin Surrey.

Myrtleford: Samuel Crisp, Noah McMonagle, Bailey Paul, Jack Hazeldine, Connor Beveridge, Tai Miller.