A Grade
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Score: Yarrawonga 64 def Wangaratta Rovers 47
The Yarrawonga Pigeons A-Grade netballers will head into the final round of the 2026 home-and-away season knowing there is still plenty to play for, with the top of the ladder delicately poised ahead of a crucial final game Saturday.
The Pigeons produced one of their most impressive starts of the season in their latest outing, racing to a 20–4 quarter-time lead in what was arguably their best quarter of 2026.
At the goal end, Maddy Allan was operating at an elite level under the ring, finishing with an outstanding 32 goals from 34 attempts.
Her accuracy provided the perfect platform for the Pigeons to build their advantage.
The defensive end was equally impressive. Fresh from her 2026 Wimbledon title, Maisee Pell traded the ping-pong-ball shooting for defensive duties and was outstanding in the back half.
Pell, Hannah Symes and Lauren Nolan rotated through the key defensive positions, with Nolan continuing to develop as the third defender throughout the 2026 season.
Through the centre court, Gemma Muldoon again showed her versatility, seamlessly moving between wing attack and wing defence.
Regardless of the bib, Muldoon provided the drive and movement that helped keep the Pigeons in control.
And speaking of growth, Bridget Cassar produced a dominant performance under the post, looking more like the 2012 model with her confidence and authority in the circle.
Pell and Cassar were rewarded for their efforts, taking out the team awards for the match.
Everything to play for
The final round shapes as a fascinating one for the competition, with the ladder still very much alive.
After 17 rounds, Raiders, Yarrawonga and Wodonga all sit on 56 points, each with 14 wins and three losses. Raiders currently hold top-spot on percentage, with Yarrawonga second and Wodonga third. Wangaratta sits fourth on 42 points, while North Albury and Lavington are locked on 40 points.
The final round will see Wodonga take on Wangaratta, while Lavington and Raiders face off, ensuring there will be plenty of interest in the results as the final positions take shape.
All things being equal, the Pigeons are positioned to finish second, but with the three sides at the top of the table separated only by percentage, nothing can be taken for granted.
The 2026 A Grade season has been one of the closest in recent memory, and the final ladder will not be settled until the final whistle sounds at approximately 4.30pm on Saturday.
For Yarrawonga, the challenge is simple: finish the home-and-away season strongly and give themselves the best possible platform heading into finals.
With the Pigeons' shooting firing, their defensive combinations continuing to develop and their versatile midcourt providing plenty of drive, they enter the final round with genuine momentum — and the prospect of a big September campaign firmly in their sights.
B Grade
Score: Yarrawonga 55 def Wangaratta Rovers 39
Yarrawonga secured an important victory over Wangaratta Rovers after an evenly contested first half that saw little separating the two sides on the scoreboard.
With the match poised at the main break, Yarrawonga emerged with renewed intensity in the second half, lifting their defensive pressure across the court and converting opportunities to take control of the game.
The Pigeons were boosted by the welcome return of Sarah Moore and Jac Oswald, whose experience and composure added valuable strength to the lineup.
Their presence helped Yarrawonga find another gear after half time as the team powered away to secure the win 39-55.
With momentum building at the right time of the season, attention now turns to a blockbuster clash against Albury.
The previous meeting between the two sides ended in a thrilling draw, and Yarrawonga knows it will need to be at its best against one of the competition's strongest teams.
The upcoming contest promises to be a huge test and an exciting challenge as the Pigeons look to continue their strong form.
C Grade
Score: Yarrawonga 32 def by Wangaratta Rovers 49
Yarrawonga C Grade faced a tough challenge against Wangaratta Rovers, going down 49–32. The team showed great effort and determination throughout the match, continuing to push hard and work for each other despite the scoreboard.
There were some strong passages of play across the court, with the team moving the ball well and creating opportunities in attack.
The defenders worked hard to apply pressure and win back possession, while the midcourt provided plenty of drive and support between attack and defence.
Shani Dickins put in a solid defensive effort, while Stevie Driscoll worked hard through the midcourt to help link the team together.
Although the result wasn’t what the team was hoping for, there were plenty of positives to take from the game, with the girls showing great teamwork, persistence and fight right until the final whistle.
Under 17s
Score: Yarrawonga 52 def by Wangaratta Rovers 64
Yarrawonga may have gone down to the Rovers, but the final score certainly didn’t reflect the quality of netball produced by the young Pigeons.
In what was arguably their most exceptional performance of the season to date, Yarrawonga demonstrated just how far they have come.
They took control for stages of the game, hitting the lead and at one point building an impressive 10-goal advantage over the Rovers.
Lila Henley was outstanding in GS, providing a strong and composed target in the circle and making the most of Yarrawonga’s attacking opportunities.
At the other end, Sienna Clarkson was relentless defensively, applying immense pressure and creating crucial turnovers for her side.
Although they couldn’t hold on for the win, there was plenty to celebrate from the performance.
Most impressively, Yarrawonga scored almost 30 more goals than when the two sides last met, highlighting the enormous improvement this group has made throughout the season.
Under 15s
Score: Yarrawonga 42 def Wangaratta Rovers 37
Yarrawonga Under 15s had a fantastic game against Wang Rovers, coming away with a hard-fought 42–37 win.
The girls showed great teamwork, determination and composure throughout the game to secure the five-goal victory.
Best on court were Millie Eales, who was outstanding through the midcourt and shooter, creating plenty of opportunities for her teammates, and Elsie Lidgerwood, who was strong in the shooting circle and helped keep the scoreboard ticking over. A great team effort from the girls!