Jett Oughton applies a tackle in the Under 12s.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Under 12s
A frosty morning greeted the young Pigeons at the Grove in what was to be a mighty clash against North Albury.
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The boys warmed up whilst the coaches talked tactics, and the parents eagerly awaited the sale of Kez’s famous egg and bacon rolls.
From the first bounce, it was clear that the dewy and slippery conditions would make it hard to take possession and caused the ball to be held up majority in the midfield with only a point scored.
In the second quarter, strong hands emerged, allowing the ball to flow easily across the field. Although the Hoppers had first touch of the ball, the Pigeons applied some great tackles chasing loose balls and weigh wood kicks.
A few near scores were spoiled by the backline consisting of Benji Wollington, Harlem Doric and Jack Bruce but unfortunately one snuck through for North to extend their lead. Elijah Buckingham answered in response when he scored a cheeky goal.
After a few words of inspiration from the coaches at halftime, the boys headed out with newfound confidence, ready to step up their game.
Leaders in Tom Hicks, Charlie Carlyle and Elliot Tresize led the pack.
The third saw the ball trapped in the Hoppers forward 50, and the back line had their work cut out for them. After 9 minutes of solid defence, the opposition score line pulled away.
Some great teamwork by the pigeons saw the boys carry the ball to our forward, but unfortunately, the siren beat them.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the opposition was quick to score, but to Yarra’s credit, they never put their heads down, continuing to work the ball around, with Judd Long bagging a much-needed goal.
Unfortunately, this was not enough to get the boys over the line, trailing by 5 points at the final siren.
Coaches Matt Wollington and Dean Bigger both agreed that it was a great game, tightly contested and that working on defensive pressure will help the boys take the win next time.
Yarrawonga 3.5.23 def by Nth Albury 4.4.28
Best: Harlem Doric, Tom Hicks, Benji Wollington, Jack Bruce, Jetta Oughton, Elliot Tresize
Under 14s
Ned Saunders releases a handball in the Under 14s.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
It was another tough day at the office for our Under 14s as we took on Nth Albury for the second time in as many weeks.
Nth Albury again came at us with big bodies and a fast-moving game style. In saying that our boys can be proud of the way they never gave up on the contest and maintain a positive outlook.
Our back line was under constant pressure, but it did well to withstand their forward entries and stand up in the battle.
For our predominantly bottom-age team, it was a great test of character to play the game out in full. Taj was again consistent down back and gave us drive out of the backline at every opportunity. Taylan was outstanding today on a much bigger opponent and created a backline contest all day.
Scoring opportunities were hard to come by today, although our mids and forwards worked relentlessly as usual, which resulted in a near identical score line from last week against the same team.
Congratulations to Billy Stevens on his 50-game for Yarra.
Yarrawonga 8 def by Nth Albury 75
Awards: Club Taylan Renau, YMH Billy Stevens, Wingates Harry Wren.
28°C