Pigeons senior coach Leigh Williams in action during the Gather Round on Saturday.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
Yarrawonga was buzzing on Saturday as the second Gather Round on the Murray delivered a full day of football, netball, live music and community celebration at JC Lowe Oval and Lonsdale Reserve.
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The Yarrawonga Pigeons’ capitalised on a home ground advantage going back to back winning the senior netball and finishing runners up in the senior football.
Meanwhile in the football Pascoe Vale was victorious.
The event, hosted by the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club (YFNC), was again successfull attracting many visitors to the region.
YFNC president Ross Mulquiney said the club was proud to host the region’s Gather Round and was looking forward to planning another successful event next year.
“The event welcomed teams from across Victoria and brought together volunteers, players, families and visitors for what has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated sporting and community days,” Mr Mulquiney said.
“While the football and netball action was fierce across the courts and oval, the day was ultimately defined by the incredible effort of the many volunteers who made the event possible.
“From early morning setup to the final whistle and concert, dozens of local volunteers worked behind the scenes running canteens and bars, coordinating teams, managing grounds and ensuring visitors felt welcome in Yarrawonga.”
Club officials said the success of the day was not measured just financially, but by the atmosphere created and the opportunity to host teams from across the state while showcasing the town on a major stage.
A special thank you was extended to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Cricket Club, Mulwala Football Netball Club and Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club for their support in hosting matches and helping deliver the expanded event.
The cricketers also gave up a home final to allow the Gather Round to take place, with appreciation shared for coach Kyle Archibald and the club’s cooperation.
The entertainment was the highlight of the day, with internationally recognised party bandFurnace and the Fundamentals delivering a high-energy concert that had the crowd on its feet and capped off the festival atmosphere.
On the field, teams travelled from across Victoria to compete in the football and netball tournaments, creating a true statewide showcase of community sport.
In the football grand final, Pascoe Vale claimed the title with a win over the home side Yarrawonga Pigeons. Despite the loss, the Pigeons can hold their heads high after finishing runners-up for the second consecutive year.
Lachie Craig takes a nice mark for the Pigeons during Gather Round.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
Netball also delivered one of the day’s biggest stories, with the Yarrawonga A Grade side producing an another victory over Wentworth and the B Grade Ladies nearly securing a place in the top division finals themselves.
The Wentworth team had travelled more than five hours to compete, making the match a memorable contest and highlighting the commitment of clubs willing to travel long distances to be part of the event.
Junior players also had their moment in the spotlight with junior netball in the morning and a short football game played as a curtain-raiser before the football grand final, giving the next generation of players a chance to be part of the big stage.
With strong crowds, competitive sport and a concert-level entertainment experience, the second Gather Round on the Murray proved once again that community sport can deliver events on a truly major scale.
Most importantly, organisers say the day showed what can be achieved when clubs, volunteers and the wider community work together.
Emily Masters in action for the Pigeons.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
The oval was again buzzing with football and netball teams, as well as music lovers and food enthusiasts.
Clubs that participated included Balwyn, Norwood, Airport West, Tatura, Benalla, Melton Centrals, Wentworth, Emerald, Pascoe Vale, Doncaster East, Moama, Montmorency and Yarrawonga.
Sarah Moore stretches out for this one.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Popular band Furnace and the Fundamentals headlined the evening entertainment.
YFNC president Ross Mulquiney said the club was proud to host the region’s Gather Round and was looking forward to another successful event next year.
