Yarrawonga 3.1, 3.3, 5.6, 7.9.51.
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Wangaratta 0.4, 4.5, 7.6, 9.8.62.
Goals: Yarrawonga: Nick Fothergill 2, Leigh Williams 2, Matt Casey 1, Ben Coghill 1, Lach Howe 1.
Wangaratta: Xavier Laverty 4, Hunter Gottschling 2, Parker Heatley 1, Harrison Hewitt 1, Blake Newton 1.
Best: Yarrawonga: Nicholas Irvine, Daniel Howe, William Wheeler, Nicholas Fothergill, Josh Payne, Harrison Wheeler.
Wangaratta: Alex Federico, Xavier Laverty, Harrison Smart, Harrison Hewitt, Aidan Tilley.
The Easter Sunday showdown between Yarrawonga and Wangaratta was a fierce contest that lived up to the expectations of a classic Ovens and Murray Football League rivalry, but unfortunately for the Pigeons, it was the Magpies who came away with an 11-point victory at Mulwala's Lonsdale Reserve.
The match was a slog from the go, with both teams battling it out in the overcast conditions.
Yarrawonga came out of the blocks firing, grabbing an early advantage by kicking three unanswered goals in the opening term.
The Pigeons looked sharp early, with Nick Fothergill and Leigh Williams proving to be a constant threat up forward. Their nous and forward craft caused the Wangaratta defense plenty of headaches, and it looked like the home side was in control.
However, the second quarter saw a shift in momentum. The Magpies regrouped and stormed back with four unanswered goals, taking full advantage of some mistakes and unforced errors by the Pigeons.
Despite being a disappointing quarter for Yarrawonga, they went into the halftime break knowing that the game was still well within reach, with just a nine-point deficit.
The second half saw both teams slug it out in a fiercely contested battle. While the game was evenly poised, Wangaratta just managed to do enough to keep the Pigeons at bay.
Every time Yarrawonga looked like they might mount a charge, the Magpies responded with crucial goals or strong defensive efforts to hold onto their lead.
Despite the loss, there were some strong individual performances for Yarrawonga.
Willie Wheeler was again a standout, finishing the game with 28 disposals, showing why he's considered one of the league's most influential midfielders.
Dan Howe was another player to impress, racking up a game-high 14 clearances as he enjoyed more midfield minutes.
Nick Irvine continues to step up in the absence of some key personnel for the Pigeons down back. Irvine was clearly one of the best players on the day with a number of intercept marks.
For Wangaratta, it was Xavier Laverty who proved to be the difference, slotting four goals in a dominant forward display.
The Magpies’ surge in the second quarter was key to their victory, as they managed to wrestle control of the match from Yarrawonga after a tough start.
The Pigeons now find themselves at 0-2 to start the season, and they will need to regroup quickly ahead of this Saturday’s clash with an improving Corowa-Rutherglen side in the rumble on the river.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 10.2.62 def by Wangaratta 16.6.102.
The Pigeons Reserves have fallen to last year’s premiers Wangaratta Magpies by 40 points in the Easter Sunday clash.
In a high scoring opening quarter, it was the Magpies that would begin the best of the two sides, kicking six of the nine goals scored for the quarter.
Yarrawonga were dealt an early blow with ruckman Andrew Dickins succumbing to a knee injury which forced the Pigeons to shuffle the magnets.
Scoring slowed in the second quarter as the Pigeons were determined to stop the run of the Magpies, who were coming through in waves.
This running game went to a new level for the Magpies in the third quarter however, as they piled on eight unanswered goals on the Pigeons.
To Yarrawonga’s credit, they were able to turn things around in the final term kicking six goals to the Magpies one.
Zac Fraser in his return game led the charge with four goals for the game whilst Matt Grinter stood tall all day through the middle of the ground winning his position.
Bronson Schofield continued to fight on all day alongside Dylan Flanagan who managed to kick three goals.
The Pigeons are still searching for their first victory of the season when they come up against an in-form Corowa - Rutherglen this week.
Goals: Zac Fraser 4, Dylan Flanagan 3, Jacob Adkins 1, Willy Lutula 1, Dillon Walsh – Hall 1.
Best: Matthew Grinter, Zac Fraser, Bronson Schofield, Willy Lutula, Dylan Flanagan, Jack Eales.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 1.0, 3.2, 3.3, 5.4.34.
Wangaratta 4.2, 9.3, 12.4, 14.11.95.
Goals: Yarrawonga: Lewis Henley 2, Jobe Fraser 1, Nate Grieves 1, Brock Johnson 1.
Wangaratta: Hunter Barry 2, John Blake 2, Chad Donald 2, Corey Petersen 2, Rama Schultz 2, Max Bihun 1, Callum Bott 1, Charlie Kerwin 1, Cooper Newton 1.
Best: Yarrawonga: Benjamin McDonald, Archie Jaques, Lewis Henley, Jordan Ibbott, Samuel Bigger, Riley Bone.
Wangaratta: Chad Donald, Edward Clayton, Zach Bott, Trent Berry, Callum Bott.
Pigeons Loft
Another Easter trip to Lonsdale Reserve in the books. The annual “home game away from home” was once again a success.
A huge thank you to Scott Jaques for his traditional Easter magic - his tireless effort helped bring the day to life.
Moving a whole football club back and forth over 12 hours is no small task, and the Pigeons are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in making it all happen.
On the court, the ever-reliable A Grade ladies made a strong statement yet again. The remaining netball matches were closely contested, and it was fantastic to see the Under 17s notch up two wins in a row.
This weekend’s A Grade clash is shaping up to be a must-watch.
On the field, the 1st XVIII match was another nail-biter, going right down to the wire.
A whistle here or there and the result might have been different - but that’s footy. It was great to see the young Pigeons hold their own against top-quality opposition.
The 2nd and 3rd XVIII teams were outplayed on the day, but there were still plenty of positives to take away.
This weekend’s ANZAC round clash sees the Pigeons head to their nearest rival for what promises to be cracking contests all day long from 9:30am through to 4:30pm.
Post-match awards will be held at the Yarrawonga Hotel.
Haven’t got your membership yet? No worries! You can grab one at the gate or at Hargraves during business hours (16 Orr Street, Yarrawonga).
A big thank you to major partners for their ongoing support:
Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, BETR, RuralCo, The Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel, and BG Finance.
Thursday nights
In Season 2025, the Thursday night teas will continue each Thursday before an Ovens and Murray match. During bye weekends, we’ll keep you posted — make sure to follow YFNC on Facebook to stay updated
Awards
The club is proud to announce that the 2025 awards are brought to you by:
Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle, and Mint Boutique.
Important dates
May 3 – OI Pools 2025 Ladies Day
May 31 – Annual Club Ball at Club Mulwala
June 7 – Annual Past Players Function at JC Lowe Oval (Midday).
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