Wangaratta Magpies 5.2, 6.3, 6.5, 9.6.60.
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Yarrawonga 4.3, 6.5, 9.9, 13.13.91.
Goals: Wangaratta Magpies: Callum Moore 3, Micheal Newton 2, Jessie Smith 2, Fraser Ellis 1, Daine Porter 1.
Yarrawonga: Jess Koopman 4, Matt Casey 2, Ben Kennedy 2, Leigh Williams 1, Harry Wheeler 1, Brayden Coburn 1, Bailey Frauenfelder 1, Perry Lewis - Smith 1.
Best: Wangaratta Magpies: Chris Knowles, Aidan Tilley, Liam McVeigh, Tyler Norton, Waitai Tua, Cameron Barrett.
Yarrawonga: Leigh Masters, Daniel Howe, Lach Howe, Leigh Williams, Ned Pendergast, Perry Lewis-Smith.
A dominant second half at the Norm Minns Oval has seen the Yarrawonga Pigeons soar clear at the top of the OMFNL ladder at the completion of round 13. Led superbly by Leigh Masters, the Pigeons proved too strong across the board to win by 31-points.
In a fiery and high scoring opening quarter, both teams exchanged blows on the scoreboard with nine goals being scored in the first 30 minutes of play.
The Magpies were able to gain the early advantage with a slender 5-point lead at quarter time.
In the slippery conditions, Harry Wheeler was like a pig in mud in the centre of Norm Minns Oval, diving into each and every contest giving his teammates first use.
Alongside Wheeler, Perry Lewis Smith was one of the Pigeons best early, racking up 7 touches in the first quarter.
Although the scoring simmered just a touch in the second quarter, it definitely wasn’t short of any highlights.
From spot fires to questionable umpiring decisions for both sides, it was an entertainment frenzy for supporters.
At the 14 minute mark of the second quarter, no goals had been kicked as both sides were slogging away in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Enter Jess Koopman.
The livewire small forward sharked a loose ball in a congested area to hook a long drop punt across his body to put the Pigeons in front.
Three minutes later, this time in the opposite pocket, he snaps through another to extend the lead.
In the dying moments of the first half, Wangaratta were awarded a dubious holding the ball free kick which presented Callum Moore with a gift in front of goal after being well held by Ned Pendergast.
The Pigeons, dominating possession, however could only manage to lead the Pies by a narrow 2 points at the main break.
Yarrawonga remained up-beat in the rooms, with coach Steve Johnson crystal clear with his messaging to his troops.
Johnson encouraged his players to continue to play the way they were playing, strongly believing that his team would bust open the game and put away the Magpies in the second half.
Ben Kennedy, suiting up for the first time this year, was putting on a show up forward. The youngster who had already kicked a goal in the first half, kicked his second goal minutes into the third quarter after he presented strongly out of full forward.
The Pigeons began to play the game on their terms throughout the third with players all across the ground having their say on the game.
Leigh Masters clearly set the tone, taking total control of the airways and the game.
The Morris Medallist was completely dominant and proved to be impenetrable from a Wangaratta Magpies point of view taking intercept marks for fun.
Matt Holgate was winning crucial one on ones against Michael Newton down back whilst Dan Howe was asserting his dominance in and around the contest.
The Pigeons, back to their absolute best team football with 3 unanswered goals in the heavy conditions.
Yarrawonga carried on their merry way with four goals to three in the final quarter to stretch the final margin out to 31-points which quite easily could have been more given better conversion in front of the big sticks.
It was this time last year, same ground, same opponent, same conditions that seemed to be a season defining win for Yarrawonga. This one felt eerily similar.
Tough, uncompromising, team football was something Steve Johson was super impressed with.
The coach labelled it one of, if not the best win since his time at Yarrawonga.
Oakfm Player of Year
Yarrawonga v Wangaratta Magpies
5 - Perry Lewis Smith, 4 - Leigh Masters, 3 - Jess Koopman, 2 - Harry Wheeler, 1 - Nick Richards (Wang).
Leaderboard: Isaac Muller (Alb) on 37 votes with Tim Broomhead (NA) on 25 votes.
Reserves
Wangaratta Magpies 7.9.51 def Yarrawonga 5.4.34.
The Yarrawonga Reserves have fallen three goals short of ladder leaders Wangaratta in damp conditions at the Norm Minns Oval.
The Pigeons were fortunate enough to secure the services of five under 18 players in Joe Conway, Sam Bigger, Paddy Waugh, Tyrone Baxter and Xavier Mitchell who all did a fantastic job in doubling up on the day.
The Magpies began the game better than the Pigeons, kicking three out of the first four goals of the game.
Although undersized in the ruck, Matt McCabe and Dan Clarke battled fiercely in the middle of the ground and looked dangerous around the ground.
Will Robinson has put together a strong month of football and he produced his best game of the season against Wangaratta.
Robinson was strong over the ball all day and showed a great ability to run to both ends of the ground.
The Pigeons hit back in the second quarter outscoring the Magpies two goals to one.
Geoff Montgomery was moved into the ruck and contributed superbly. ‘Moosehead’ provided some real grunt around the stoppages in a role that he would not be too familiar with.
In all four quarters it was a similar story, the Pies would begin the quarter but then the Pigeons would peg the margin back late.
Yarrawonga got within one goal of the Pigeons at three quarter time and looked like a real show to pull off the upset.
Lochie Forge, fresh off a holiday, slotted straight back into the midfield and played a vital role in keeping the Pigeons hopes alive.
Todd Muldoon, another who was asked to play in a new role in the second half, was a solid contributor yet again.
Muldoon was swung down back and looked at home, intercepting a number of forward attacks.
The Pigeons fought bravely right until the final siren however just couldn't quite bridge the gap between themselves and the Magpies.
The Yarrawonga Reserves remain in the top five and will look forward to regaining some cavalry over the following weeks.
Goals: Daniel Clarke 1, Reid Clarke 1, Matt McCabe 1, Geoff Montgomery 1, Will Robinson 1.
Best: Will Robinson, Geoffrey Montgomery, Lochie Forge, Fraser Haintz, Todd Muldoon, Matthew Grinter.
Thirds
Wangaratta Magpies 1.1, 3.5, 4.6, 7.8.50.
Yarrawonga 0.1, 0.1, 1.6, 1.6.12.
Goals: Wangaratta Magpies: Max Bihun 4, Ned O’Kane 3.
Yarrawonga: Jack Eales 1.
Best: Wangaratta Magpies: Hugh Canning, William Petersen, Owain Boyle, Corey Petersen, Josh Styles, Oscar Roberts.
Yarrawonga: Tommy Marriner, Xavier Mitchell, Patrick Waugh, Samuel Bigger, Max Lightbody.
Pigeons Loft
The trip up the Ovens to the Magpies was a mixed day whilst the Pigeons took out the A Grade and 1st XVIII. They were the only wins.
2 from 8 is not a great day. Wangaratta overall were just too strong. That said, both the senior footy and A Grade netty were cracking contests and vital for all important ladder positions.
This weekend we host the Roos for the first time since 2022. It is sure to a spirited set of contests.
The A Grade match carrying much importance with the winner going a long way to securing the all-important double chance.
The 3rd XVIII match could also be a chance for Roy and Mus’s boys to have a 4 and 3 record for the last seven matches.
Upstairs after the match is the junior disco. No doubt there is a ticket or two available for any younger ones wanting a ripping evening.
On Friday, August 2 the YFNC is hosting its annual golf and sportsman’s night at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Resort (teeing off at midday).
$150 per head or $600 for your own four. This gets you 18 holes (shot gun start/finish) an all-inclusive meal and drinks package and a comedy show from the Nelson Twins in evening.
Please contact the club to make a booking whether a single, duo or foursome.
We take this opportunity to thank our major partners: Club Mulwala, Kennedy Builders, Belmores, betr, RuralCo, the Play Project, Yarrawonga Holiday Park, Yarrawonga Hotel and BG Finance.
Thursday Nights
In Season 2024 our Thursday Night Teas will continue each Thursday night before an Ovens and Murray match.
Awards – Football
1sts Leigh Masters. 2nds Wil Robinson. 3rds Tommy Marriner.
Awards – Netball
These awards in 2024 will again be brought to by the Yarrawonga Hotel, Bella Pelle and Mint Boutique.
Yarrawonga Chronicle