Yarrawonga junior football

Another nice win for the mini wheat-eaters. No one is quite sure what happened in the first quarter. The fog was stagnant and the game was played in the far wing.

Spectators witnessed 15 minutes of thick haze and plenty of distant voices… the scoreboard, however, was in Yarra’s favour at the first break.

The fog lifted in the second term and the lads proved that defensive pressure goes a long way.

Byron Dodd, Taj Parker, Taylan Renau, Tate Thompson and Tom Conway were resolute in the back half to keep the opposition scoreless.

Considering the ball spent the entire quarter in the Lavington’s forward half, this was quite an effort.

Things opened up a little in the second half and the boys pulled away for a convincing win.

Trey Doric and Benji Wollington were creative and evasive as they traditioned the ball forward.

A special mention this week to all of the parents and carers that constantly volunteer to help with everything from umpiring to washing jumpers.

Sporting clubs are generally judged on wins and losses. The work that goes in behind the scenes is often unnoticed.

However, it can’t be overlooked. The under 12s are extremely lucky. Thanks to all involved!

Goals: H Ramsdale 2, T Renau, J Smith, T Doric.

Best: B Dodd, T Renau, T Parker, T Thompson, T Conway, T Doric, B Wollington.

Under 14s

Lavington 7.1.43 def by Yarrawonga 7.4.46.

The Pigeons boys travelled up to Lavington this week for round 14.

Lavington came out strong from the start with relentless defence and quick ball movement keeping pressure on the Yarrawonga forwards and reducing shots at goal.

Both teams played excellent football setting up a very close match. Lavington was able to hold the lead up until the last quarter when Yarra was able to sneak in front briefly before a late goal from Lavington put them back in the lead.

The game looked lost, but Yarra never gave up and with around 30 seconds left kicked the winning goal. Much to the relief of coaches Nathan and Jamie. Great effort boys.

Goals: C Clark 3, O Tresize 1, J Comensoli 1, C McCarty 1, J Butler 1.

Coaches awards: J Ibrahim, C Stephens, B Stevens.

Under 16s

Lavington 16.8.104 def Yarrawonga 6.5.41.

With all junior and senior football at Lavington on Saturday, the under 16s took on the undefeated ladder leaders at their home. It was a promising start with an early chase-down tackle from Jace Gove on the wing.

Lucas Eales intercepted a loose ball and took a running shot on goal. The first quarter was all the Panthers though, playing on at every opportunity, putting five unanswered goals on the scoreboard. The Pigeons’ boys rallied in the second quarter. Lucas Tonna got on the end of a nice passage of play to slot a goal early.

Matty Saxton was showing great dash on the wing. Defenders worked tirelessly under pressure, ably led by 50 gamer Xav Mitchell.

Archie Jaques showed endeavour, at one point using a deft wrong foot kick to a teammate to get out of trouble.

Declan Hare is growing in confidence each week. Riley Bone was fearless with his attack on the footy. The last quarter started well, with a goal to Eales within first minute. Shortly after, Lucas Eales gave an unselfish handball over the top to allow regular fullback Ryan Cameron to run in for an easy goal. Cameron followed up soon after with another.

Captain’s Zac “Swervin Merv” Forge and the courageous Sam Bigger worked tirelessly throughout, while Mitch Tyson was everywhere in the ruck.

With only two regular games left, the boys sit 4th on the ladder and need to win at least one more for a shot at playing finals.

Goals: Ryan Cameron 2, Gus Saunders, Ryder Stevens, Lucas Eales, Lucas Tonna.

Best: Xavier Mitchell, Lucas Eales, Zac Forge, Samuel Bigger, Mitch Tyson, Matthew Saxton.

Awards: Riley Bone (YMH Sock award), Archie Jaques (Club Award), Declan Hare (Intersport Wingates), Jace Gove (YMH sock award).