A much anticipated second versus third place A grade match at Lavington Sports Ground had Yarrawonga on the back foot from the beginning with Co-Coach and team stalwart Bridget Cassar unable to make the trip due to illness.
After an 11-goal loss the first time they met, the Pigeons knew they needed to get a good start if they were going to take home the four points.
The game began with a hefty pace but a turnover from goal attack Sarah Moore gave Yarrawonga the first opportunity and the first goal of the game.
A few uncharacteristic errors in the Pigeons' attack end had the Panthers at a 4 to 1 lead midway through the first quarter.
Strong defensive pressure from Annalise Grinter and Laura Ryan allowed Hannah Symes to intercept multiple balls and gave the Pigeons just a one goal deficit at the first break.
Fresh legs in Tilly Kennedy in Wing Attack and the agility and speed of Kylie Leslie in goal defence to begin the second quarter gave Yarrawonga the edge.
Goaling accuracy from Maddie Allan and some incredible feeding from Sarah Moore had the score level at the main break.
As the third quarter settled in, so did the rain and a slippery netball added challenges to this already tight contest; the Panthers managed to break away with a four-goal lead at the final break.
The Pigeons depth allowed a completely new defence end at the final change with Grinter heading back into goal defence and Olivia Lovell coming on with fresh legs into goalkeeper. The pressure coming from across the court allowed Laura Irvine and Laura Ryan to make multiple turnovers through the mid court and bring the scores to level halfway through the last quarter.
The game went goal for goal in the final term with some incredible long bombs from Sarah Moore, unfortunately a few unforced errors allowed the Panthers to get back in front with the Pigeons going down by two goals at the final siren.
B Grade
Lavington 58 defeated Yarrawonga 48.
The B Grade girls had a great match Saturday morning against Lavi although coming away short losing 48 to 58.
The match started with great defensive pressure all over the court, with Em Mac and Jackie working hard, both taking great intercepts in the mid court.
Smart movement by Ellie in the ring resulted in the ball being fed seamlessly with Yarra stealing the first goal. Although forced passing errors and Lavi’s quick feeds into their ring caused them to take the lead in the first half.
Changes at half time saw Amity come into the game putting pressure on their attack end alongside Jedda and Simone who fought hard against a much taller shooter, ensuring well-earned turn overs which reduced Lavi’s lead to only 5 goals bringing Yarra back into the game.
The team worked tirelessly throughout the rest of the second half, with great passages of play from both ends of the court.
The girls quick to switch from defence to attack leading long to feed some great balls into the shooters.
Overall the game was impressive to watch and a great team effort by Yarrawonga.
C Grade
Lavington 38 defeated Yarrawonga 34.
2nd vs 3rd and 3 of their players away was always going to prove a tough battle for the girls.
They fought hard each quarter to keep in the game, with strong defence from Morgan McRae and Amy Barnes fighting for every turnover.
Also a strong goaling combination with Eliana Martin and Dee Moon putting every shot up or reaching for every rebound.
Unfortunately Lavington were too good in the end winning by 4 goals
Best players: Morgan McRae and Eliana Martin.
Under 17s
Lavington 29 defeated by Yarrawonga 37.
Another strong performance by the team, with lots of girls stepping up to also play in higher grades.
Name: Annabel Hart
Position: WD and I look forward to developing others as I improve.
How many years have you played at YFNC? 7 years.
What do you love most about netball? Being outside and playing with good teammates.
What is the most challenging part of netball? Keeping a positive mindset whilst playing.
What is your personal goal for the season? Improving my defensive and attacking skills with the help from my coaches.
What are your plans once you finish school? I am unsure.
Name a sportsperson that inspires you: My dad.
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