Sport

Pigeons flex muscles against Rovers

By Yarra Editor

Jun 12, 2024

Nick Fothergill picks up another possession in the Pigeons’ strong win in front of a big crowd at the JC Lowe Oval on Saturday. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Harry Wheeler winding up on the left foot. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Jordan Urquhart passing the ball. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Yarrawonga 10.12 (72) defeated Wangaratta Rovers: 6.12 (48)

Best: Daniel Howe, Ned Pendergast, Leigh Masters, Perry Lewis-smith, Ryan Einsporn, Lach Howe.

Goals: Matthew Casey 2, Bailey Frauenfelder 2, Daniel Howe 2, Lach Howe 1, Nick Irvine 1, Perry Lewis-Smith 1, Tyler Lovell 1,

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The Yarrawonga Pigeons have overcome a gallant Wangaratta Rovers on a glorious winter's day at the JC Lowe Oval on the King’s Birthday Weekend.

The top of the table clash between the two teams clearly created plenty of interest with the crowd numbers soaring through the roof in what many believe to be the biggest showing since the Brendan Fevola days.

The Rovers began the game in style kicking the first of the day through Will McCarthy. The Pigeons were being challenged defensively early but managed to hold up through some strong individual efforts especially from big man Lach Howe. Howe sat in the hole a number of times, taking strong grabs to repel the Rovers attacks.

Matt Casey kicked the Pigeons’ first and only goal for the quarter as opposed to the Rovers’ two goals, which gave the visitors a 6-point lead at the first change.

The second quarter saw the game continue to see-saw with both teams having their fair share of opportunity to hit the scoreboard.

Only three goals were scored for the quarter with Yarrawonga kicking two of them through Bailey Frauenefelder and Matt Casey. Former Carlton player Lochie O’Brien registered the Rovers’ only goal for the quarter.

In the tight contest, it was going to be a game of moments and who would take their opportunities going forward.

The Pigeons were being well served by Ned Pendergast who was given the job on key forward Alex Marklew. Pendergast, who plays well beyond his years, was outstanding in the aerial battle whilst also giving great support to his fellow defenders at ground level.

The Howe brothers in Lach and Dan began to take command in the second half with them both firmly putting their stamp onto the game. The pair both kicked big goals in the third quarter to help extend the Pigeons lead.

Perry Lewis-Smith, yet again, was instrumental in important moments throughout the day. The star midfielder showed his class and loomed as the difference between the two teams.

The Pigeons held a 10-point advantage over the Rovers in what was set to be a grandstand finish at the JC Lowe Oval.

Coach Steve Johnson remained calm but passionate when addressing his troops at three-quarter time.

Johnson praised his troops for the strong effort they were giving but asked for one more push in front of the Pigeons past players and volunteers to get the job done.

It was goal for goal early in the last quarter with three former AFL players kicking the first three goals of the term in Sam Murray, Dan Howe and Lochie O’Brien. But when the going got tough, the Pigeons stood tall. Yarrawonga were able to remain disciplined and took full advantage of the opposition when they slipped up.

Bailey Frauenfelder bobbed up to kick a crucial goal which was a settler for his team.

With the game still in the balance, it was two unlikely goal kickers in Tyler Lovell and Nick Irvine who shut the gate firmly on any chance the Rovers had on winning the game.

The pair both showed great poise from the set shot to see the Pigeons home in a gutsy victory which puts them clear on top of the OMFNL ladder.

Reserves

Yarrawonga 6.7 (43) drew Wang Rovers 5.13.43

Best: Jess Koopman, Todd Muldoon, Tyler Bonat, Dom Buntin, Will Robinson, Douglas Arnold.

The Yarrawonga Reserves have put up an almighty fight against the second placed Wangaratta Rovers with the game resulting in a draw, the second for the season in the Reserves competition.

The Rovers came out firing early, with their midfield getting on top around the stoppages. However, wasteful kicking in front of goal meant the Pigeons would only trail by 9-points at quarter time.

The Pigeons got to work in the second quarter and were able to even things up around the ball. Midfielders Jess Koopman and Tyler Bonat were doing the heavy lifting whilst the back six remained rock solid to keep the Rovers to only one goal for the term.

Yarrawonga was of the mindset that if they could grind the game out and make it a slog, they could take it right down to the wire against the fast-paced Rovers outfit. After a positive halftime break, the Pigeons look rejuvenated as they produced their best quarter of football for the season.

Dominating around the clearances, the Pigeons got right on top of the Rovers and were even able to build a handy lead. Newcomer to the club Dom Buntin was strong around the contest and he was well supported by the likes of Doug Arnold, Will Robinson and Dave O’Dwyer in the ruck. Matt McCabe was moved into defence in the second half and did a brilliant job controlling the airways, taking a number of intercept marks. Up forward, it was Todd Muldoon who was outstanding for the Pigeons, creating strong contests in the air whilst being able to follow up at ground level also.

The Rovers were not finished however, as they continued to press and challenge the Pigeons deep into the final term with a slight breeze in their favour. The Pigeons defence were up for the fight but the Rovers were able to draw level late in the contest.

The final siren sounded, and the teams had to share the points. The Pigeons sit just outside the top five and will need to have a strong back half of the season if they are to play finals in 2024.

Thirds