Pigeons fight for grand final tilt

Yarrawonga’s A Grade will be playing for a position in the 2024 Ovens and Murray A Grade grand final when they take on ladder leaders Wodonga Raiders in the second semi final at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval this Saturday.

Last Saturday in the qualifying final, Wangaratta, who finished 2nd, arrived flying high after a couple of dominant wins in the previous rounds.

With there only being a handful of points separating the two teams on the ladder, this game was promised to be a tight one.

With an experienced side, the Magpies kept the game well within their grasp, even scores at the first quarter.

The Pigeons goaling combination of Bridget Cassar and Kaleisha Pell, powered forward in the second quarter to give Yarrawonga the lead by 6 goals at half time.

Wangaratta however, accepted the challenge and brought it up to the Pigeons once again in the third quarter.

Emily Laracy and Kylie Leslie combining well to dilute a tall and fast Magpies goal circle.

Laura Ryan was again steadfast in defence and provided the key link between defence and attack.

Laura Irvine, Gemma Grimmond and Tilly Kennedy rotated through the centre with ease, feeding the goal circle with pinpoint accuracy.

Maddy Allan was injected into the game in the fourth quarter, and combining with Bridget Cassar, used their strength and smarts to once again outwit an equally familiar Magpies defensive goal circle to keep the Magpies on their toes.

The Pigeons pulled off a strong 6 goal win to progress them to the second semi-final this Saturday in Wangaratta.

Best: Bridget Cassar and Laura Ryan.

B Grade ~ Elimination final

Wodonga 45 def Yarrawonga 34.

B Grade were pumped and ready for a game they knew would be close.

With an experienced side, Sarah Wollington playing her 300th club game, they also added young guns Eva Cummins and Mylah Kennedy, for fresh legs and athleticism.

The Bulldogs got the jump and led by 5 goals at half time.

The Pigeons side had plenty of depth with rotating shooters (Briar Rodaughan, Delaynee Moon and Mylah Kennedy), and at three quarter time, the sides were even on 27.

Olivia Lovell and Grace Stillard were dynamic as usual, regardless of a few questionable calls, and Kirby Holmquest was brought on at half time to give Yarrawonga another option in defence.

Alisha Leslie and Maddie Kennedy were calm and controlled through the centre-court, however the Bulldogs just chipped away at the lead and powered on in the last quarter to win by 11 goals.

The B Grade finals campaign coming to an abrupt end.

Big thanks to coaches Laura Davis and Laura Ryan and to everyone who has helped out during the year.

Best: Mylah Kennedy and Olivia Lovell.

Finals teams and venues

Saturday, September 7 at Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta

1pm - A Grade v Wodonga Raiders.