Pigeons inflict pain on Tigers

By Yarrawonga Chronicle

Aug 14, 2024

Ruckman Lachlan Howe contests this ruck tap with Albury’s Isaac Muller along the wing. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Yarrawonga 6.1, 10.3, 15.7, 19.14.128.

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Albury 1.1, 3.5, 4.7, 6.11.47.

Goals: Yarrawonga: Matt Casey 5, Leigh Williams 3, Nick Fothergill 2, Dan Howe 2, Perry Lewis – Smith 2, Ben Coghill 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Jess Koopman 1, Harry Wheeler 1, Cameron Wilson 1.

Albury: Jackson Kelly 2, Jacob Conlan 1, Lachlan Tiziani 1.

Best: Yarrawonga: Harrison Wheeler, Daniel Howe, Leigh Williams, William Wheeler, Matthew Holgate, Lach Howe.

Albury: Michael Duncan, Rhys King, Max Byrne, Jacob Conlan, Mat Walker, Jeff Garlett.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons put on an electrifying display of football on Saturday afternoon, demolishing the Albury Tigers by a staggering 81 points at the JC Lowe Oval.

The Pigeons' performance was a masterclass in skill, teamwork, and relentless pressure, and they quickly established their dominance from the opening bounce.

From the very start, the Pigeons were in a league of their own. The home team kicked 6 of the first 7 goals of the game, setting the tone with a fast-paced and aggressive style.

The Tigers, unable to match the intensity and precision of the Pigeons, found themselves trailing early. By quarter time, Yarrawonga had built a comfortable lead that seemed insurmountable.

Full forward Leigh Williams flies for this contested mark on his way to 3 majors for the day. Photo by Les_Garbutt

The second quarter saw the Pigeons continue their impressive form. They stretched their lead to a commanding 40 points at halftime, thanks to their electric ball movement and their ability to capitalize on Albury’s mistakes.

The Tigers struggled to find their rhythm, and their attempts to claw back into the game were thwarted by a resolute Yarrawonga defense led by Matt Holgate who stood tall on a number of occasions.

Yarrawonga’s dominance became even more pronounced throughout the second half of the game. The Pigeons added 5 goals to 1 in the third quarter, further widening the gap and in a blow out that not many would have seen coming.

The relentless pressure they applied ensured that Albury could not mount any serious challenge, and the margin continued to grow.

Dan Howe emerged as the leading goal kicker, with 4 goals to his name, while Matt Casey contributed 3 goals, playing a key role in the Pigeons' attacking prowess.

Despite these standout performances, it was Perry Lewis-Smith who was universally recognized as the best player on the ground. His all-around excellence in both offense and defense was a cornerstone of Yarrawonga's success.

Perry Lewis-Smith only has eyes for the ball as he launches for one of his two majors. Photo by Les_Garbutt

The star on baller racked up a game high 32 disposals to go alongside his 2 goals.

In addition to Lewis-Smith, several other players delivered exceptional performances. Harry Wheeler, Leigh Williams, Willie Wheeler and Nick Fothergill all played crucial roles, each contributing significantly to the Pigeons' comprehensive victory.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons’ triumph had set a high benchmark for the remainder of the season.

Their dominant performance against the Albury Tigers not only demonstrated their strength but also sent a clear message to the rest of the competition.

Over the past two years, Yarrawonga coach Steve Johnson has masterfully guided his team, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier coach.

His knowledge and understanding of the game combined with his ability to inspire the playing group has been pivotal in shaping the Pigeons into a formidable force.

Tanner Nyholm playing in his 50th club game. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Yarrawonga is in a strong position to defend their premiership if they continue to prioritise selfless, team-first football.

The Pigeons will be tested over the coming fortnight with games against fellow top 3 teams in North Albury and the Wangaratta Rovers.

With the minor premiership sewn up, the Pigeons will have a clear focus on not flirting with their strong form.

Reserves

Yarrawonga 3.6.24 def by Albury 12.10.82.

The Yarrawonga Pigeons have been dealt a 58 point defeat at the hands of the Albury Tigers at the JC Lowe Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers began the game well with a fast paced style that challenged the Pigeons defence whilst they were able to kick the first two goals of the game in the first quarter.

The Pigeons lowered their colours in the second quarter and they were disappointed with their efforts, allowing Albury to run riot kicking a further five unanswered goals in the quarter.

Doug Arnold, in his 100th club game, stood tall for the Pigeons and was one player that was able to hold his head high throughout the first half.

After resetting, the Pigeons were able to fight back in the third quarter, led by that man Arnold who was fierce in the contest. Mitch Collins Bye and Ross Mulquiney provided strong contests up forward whilst the defenders began to win some crucial one on one contests.

Despite the fight back, it was short lived, as the Tigers got back on top in the last quarter running away with the victory.

The defeat will do the Reserves no harm as they look to bounce back against North Albury this week with a victory securing a finals berth in 2024.

Goals: Reid Clarke 1, Ross Mulquiney 1, Kyal Tyson 1.

Best: Douglas Arnold, Kyal Tyson, Reid Clarke, Mitch Collins Bye, Matthew Grinter, Ross Mulquiney.

Thirds