Yarrawonga: 3.1, 4.6, 4.7, 7.9: 51

Lavington: 0.2, 5.3, 9.8, 14.10: 94

Best: Cameron Wilson, Nicholas Fothergill, Ben Kennedy, Zac Fraser, Ned Pendergast, Lach Howe.

Lavington: William Glanvill, Tim Oosterhoff, Edward Perryman, Nicholas Newton, Jack Driscoll, Charlie Sanson.

Goals: M. Casey 2, B. Coghill 2, C. Wilson 2, L. Williams.

Lavington: T. Oosterhoff 5, C. Sanson 3, A. Swinnerton 2, S. Driscoll, J. Glanvill, T. Hargreave, D. Smith.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons showed promising signs on Saturday afternoon in an exciting first half at JC Lowe Oval but ultimately went down to a strong Lavington Panthers side by 43 points.

Saturday’s game was a special occasion for Yarrawonga as key defender Ned Pendergast, who celebrated his 50th senior game.

Pendergast’s toughness, skill and consistency in his short career have been invaluable to the club.

The Pigeons began the match with real energy and purpose, quickly clicking into gear by booting the first three goals of the afternoon.

Cam Wilson, who was Yarrawonga’s best on the day, was brilliant all afternoon with 23 disposals.

His work in both attack and defense helped give the Pigeons early momentum.

The ever-reliable Nick Fothergill delivered a classy performance with 16 disposals and a goal, showing his trademark composure and ability to find space in tight contests.

Matt Casey also played his part on the scoreboard, and had helped give the Pigeons a dream start.

However, the Panthers soon found their rhythm and were able to swing the momentum their way.

Lavington piled on five goals to Yarrawonga’s one in the second quarter and had set the tone for the rest of the match.

The third quarter proved decisive, as Lavington’s pressure and precision saw them boot four unanswered goals, effectively breaking the contest open.

Despite this, the Pigeons refused to quit.

Young gun Ben Kennedy continued to impress with his composure and work ethic, finishing the match with 18 disposals and consistently hitting up strongly at the ball.

Alongside Kennedy, Zac Fraser battled hard.

He showed poise under pressure and determination in the contest.

Unfortunately for the Pigeons, injuries had taken their toll in the second half.

Key players Baz McDonald and Willie Wheeler were both unable to finish the game, limiting rotations and testing the depth of the squad.

Still, Yarrawonga fought hard until the final siren, demonstrating resilience despite being overwhelmed by Lavington’s sustained attack.

The Pigeons hope to regain some key players over the coming weeks and build on the encouraging signs shown by their developing list.

Reserves

Yarrawonga 22 def by Lavington 56

The Pigeons Reserves showed signs of improvement however could only manage to play three solid quarters, as second placed Panthers were able to put them away in the final quarter to run out six goal winners.

In a low scoring affair, the Pigeons were able to give themselves repeat inside fifties with the back six holding strong early.

Matt McCabe, Hunter Frauenfelder and Bronson Schofield were giving great drive however the Pigeons couldn't capitalise on their strong work, missing shots as goal in a missed opportunity to create an early buffer.

In his return match from an ankle injury, Tom Mckimmie was one of Yarrawonga’s better players for the day as he showed great poise and set up multiple attacks.

Tyler Lovell showed his experience throughout the afternoon with aggression at the ball.

Matt Grinter made great contributions for the Pigeons and has clearly been the standout player over the first half of the year.

The Pigeons now face a winnable game against the Wodonga Raiders and will look to get their second win of the season.

Best: Bronson Schofield, Tom McKimmie, Tyler Lovell, Brayden Coburn, Matthew Grinter, Jack James.

Goals: B. Symes, D. Walsh-hall.

Thirds

Yarrawonga 38 def by Lavington 70

Goals: S. Lawrence 2, S. Trembath 2, L. Eales.

Best: Seth Lawrence, Oliver Watson, Archie Skehan, Lucas Eales, Lewis Henley, Jordan Ibbott.

Under 16s

Yarrawonga 36 def by Lavington 69

Goals: D. Skehan 2, J. Van Den Bosch 2, J. Ibrahim.

Best: Connor Strawhorn, Jack Van Den Bosch, Blair Strawhorn, Cameron Stephens, Spencer Cowan, Darcy Skehan.

Under 14s

Yarrawonga 25 def by Lavington 57

Goals: R. Brear, M. Hargreaves, T. Hicks, B. Wollington.

Best: Mac Hargreaves, Harry Wren, Taylan Renau, Sam Cummins, Aiden Lawless, Dayne Bromley.

Under 12s

Yarrawonga 34 def Albury 14

In a gutsy and well-rounded performance, Yarrawonga’s Under 12s claimed a memorable win over previously undefeated Albury in the AWJFL on the weekend, with a 20-point victory.

From the opening bounce, the young Pigeons were switched on and determined, showing great teamwork, skill and pressure across the ground.

Ryder Briffa set the tone with impressive ball use and composure through the middle, while George Kennedy got the team on the board with an exciting early snap goal.

The defence stood tall all game, led by Marley Bigger who impressed with smart positioning and courageous efforts across the backline.

Ruck duo Parker Cowen and Lawson Kelly battled bravely against taller opponents, providing first use to their teammates around the ground.

Speedster Lewis Hargraves was a constant threat, using his pace and skill to break lines and kick a crucial goal that swung momentum back in Yarrawonga’s favour.

While in defence, Jimmy Robinson, Jackson Katz, and Eamon Pickering all held firm against a strong Albury forward line.

Jetta Oughton continued his excellent form, as he applied relentless pressure and won important contests throughout the match, while Murphy Doyle had his best game of the season.

Up forward, Finn O’Brien worked tirelessly across half forward, showcasing his skill and strength to kick a key goal.

Ed Mulquiney had a solid all-round game, as he contributed in the midfield, kicked a goal while forward, and had taken important marks across half back in the final quarter to help secure the win.

The young Pigeons should be proud of their effort, with contributions from every player leading to a deserved victory over a strong Albury side.

Goals: L. Hargreaves, G. Kennedy, R. Leary, E. Mulquiney, F.O’Brien

Best: Jetta Oughton, Edward Mulquiney, Finn O’Brien, Marley Bigger, Eamon Pickering, Jackson Katz.

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Saturday, 31st May 2025

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