The Yarrawonga Pigeons A Grade continue their impressive success in the O&M netball, gearing up for yet another grand final campaign.
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The Pigeons will be looking to claim their eighth flag in 13 years when the experienced team take on last year’s grand final opponent Wodonga Raiders in what will be a mouth watering clash.
Yarrawonga 42 def Lavington 30
Yarrawonga came out firing in their Preliminary Final clash with Lavington, taking control from the opening whistle and never looking back.
The goaling trio of Bridget Cassar, Maddy Allan and Kaleisha Pell, combined beautifully to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Bridget Cassar was outstanding, finishing with 14 from 19 and showing strong holds and composure under pressure. Her ability to stand tall against Lavington’s tight defenders gave Yarrawonga a reliable target in the circle.
Maddy Allan worked tirelessly across the front space, providing clever movement and accurate finishing with 15 from 23. Her vision into the circle also helped set up her teammates.
Kaleisha Pell brought energy and accuracy when injected, netting 13 from 17 and using her athleticism to take some crucial rebounds and open up the play.
The midcourt was the link that set up the game, with Tilly Kennedy, Laura Irvine and Laura Davis covering plenty of ground.
Tilly Kennedy was a driving force through the middle, repeatedly hitting the circle edge with confidence and delivering precise feeds.
Laura Irvine provided her trademark steadiness, controlling transitions and ensuring smooth ball movement from defence to attack.
Laura Davis offered relentless defensive pressure through the centre third, picking up deflections and helping to slow Lavington’s attack.
Gemma Grimmond was introduced to wing attack in the third quarter, for her first A grade appearance this year. She slotted seamlessly into the side, giving fresh legs and an extra spark around the circle edge.
At the other end, Yarrawonga’s backline was rock solid, setting the tone for the match.
Hannah Symes was simply outstanding in defence, taking intercepts, contesting everything in the air, and leading the unit with her voice and anticipation. She was deservedly named among the best.
Annalise Grinter made a welcome appearance in the third quarter, slotting into the defensive rotation with confidence and backing herself to challenge hard balls.
Together the defensive trio frustrated Lavington’s shooters and gave Yarrawonga plenty of opportunities to transition the ball back down the court.
A consistent four-quarter effort saw the Pigeons assert their dominance, with strong defensive efforts setting up attacking opportunities.
With all players contributing and the scoreboard pressure maintained throughout, Yarrawonga now head confidently into the Grand Final.
Bridget Cassar (GS)– club games record holder has played in a whopping 14 A grade grand finals and taken the silverware home on 10 occasions. Spiritual leader of the club, strong target under the post and directs traffic in the goal third.
Maddy Allan (GA)– strongest season yet since, with her spacial awareness, height, speed and accuracy making her incredibly hard to contain.
Kaliesha Pell (GA/GS) – in incredible shooting form, shooting with nonchalance and is the most accurate shooter this season. Her speed and aerial skill is something special to watch. Has the X factor to turn matches.
Tilly Kennedy (WA) – carried her brilliant form from last year’s premiership. A key playmaker of the attack end, uses her agility and explosive speed to create space. Speed and transition from attack to defence allows to take crucial turnovers.
Laura Irvine (C/WD) –“Wooz” prepares like no other. Her elite level of fitness and vertical leap make her a formidable opponent through the middle with hunger to win and ability to will herself and her teammates to another level.
Laura Davis (WD/C) – relishing being back on the court this season as one of the fittest, most consistent and versatile players that can literally play every position. Her talk, netball intelligence and natural leadership lift her teammates.
Maisee Pell (GD) – 16-year-old young gun Maisee is flourishing and has been a key asset in keeping opposition to low scores.
Hannah Symes (GK) – Symes is the backstop of the defence end. Her height and athleticism mean that she can match it with the tallest shooters, but her speed and ability to read the play makes her a premier defender.
Kylie Leslie (GD/WA) – her experience, speed, athleticism, drive down the court and versatility will be crucial for the team as one of the cleanest defenders in the competition.
Annalise Grinter (GD/GK) – has a special ability to run with and shut down key opposition goal shooters but also match up deceptively against tall holding players. A cool head in pressure cooker situations.
B Grade aspire for seventh flag
The Yarrawonga Pigeons B Grade are looking to play in their first grand final since 2023 when they face North Albury in the big dance this Sunday.
The B Grade team mixed with youth and experience have been ravaged by injury throughout the year, but have done well to stay composed, grind out some tough wins and win their way through to the grand final from the second semi final.
Listening to instruction from coaches Liv Lovell, Sarah Wollington and Bridget Cassar, this team is excitable to watch.
The defense of Kira Dickins and Grace Stillard shows true grit and determination, providing the attack end with numerous opportunities to score while the midcourt of super experienced and versatile Jaclyn Oswald, Gemma Muldoon, Alisha Leslie and Kirby Holmquest will lead this team and make it a nightmare for opposition midcourt players.
The shooting end led by Ellie Dickins and Delaynee Moon, with the inclusion of Tilly Jaques and Grace Eales will stand the team in good stead.
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