The Easter round provided the Pigeons with a chance to bounce back against the reigning premier and to honour the efforts of Xavier Leslie playing his 300th seniors game in front of an estimate crowd of 3,000 people.
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A career littered with success: three premierships, multiple B&Fs, a Morris Medal, and a cinch for the Hall of Fame; Xavier started as a schoolboy in 2002 before heading away to boarding school and his return in 2005 was a catalyst for the Pigeons to turn into the most successful side in the Pigeon’s history. However, in typical Xav fashion he let his football do the talking on Easter Sunday.
A game where the intensity early was exceptional, the Pigeons were unlucky not to be 3 goals after an umpiring decision in the goal square disallowing a goal to Xavier; do umpires have no sense of theatre, you would think they could have let that one slide for the champ!
However, as the game progressed the Lavington team were able to hit the scoreboard with more ease and connection.
The Pigeons while trying hard were simply unable to execute enough vital forward entry ball and even sliding Masters forward could not help.
One of the highlights of the day was Josh Tonna playing against one of the competition’s premier forwards.
He was not beaten in the air and brought the ball to the ground at every opportunity. He was well assisted down back by Logan Morey.
Bailey Fraunfelder and Harry Wheeler were welcome returns from their cricketing Grand Finals, and both were solid.
Senior Coach Whiley was the Pigeons’ best and in everything even hitting the scoreboard with two majors. His run and effort cannot be denied, showing the players the way.
Whilst the players were able to lift for a period in the match, unless they can match their senior coach’s effort and preparation, taking it up to the best in Ovens and Murray is going to be a hard task.
Ovens and Murray requires a week in week out desire to compete, and it is those that compete for longer that usually prevail.
Two more debutants in Will Sexton and Jett Smith, made 3 players eligible for U18 in the squad playing on the big stage, indicating the future looks brighter for the Pigeons and a regroup for a must-win against Wodonga is essential.
Reserves
Yarrawonga 6.7.43 defeated by Lavington 8.13.61.
This game swung around all day with the Reserves never really finding its mojo.
At times the forward line of Conway, Sudholz, Adkins and a resting ruck looked dangerous and at other times Lavington looked most comfortable on the counter attack with run and dash from the back half.
Isaac McMillan was a welcome sight and the Son of Hound is a quality player who the Pigeons would love to see applying his trade in the 2pm game.
Jackson and Harry Meade again competed well in the back half and if they keep at their football, will become main stays of the Pigeon 1st XVII in due course.
Down from the 2pm game Max Hemphill and Jack Forge tried hard.
Goals: Yarrawonga: C. Sudholz 2, J. Adkins 2, M. McCabe, O. Conway.
Lavington: N. Cook 3, C. Clayton 2, D. Hennessy, D. Smith, N. Sheridan.
Best: Yarrawonga: I. McMillan, H. Meade, J. Patterson, K. Sharp, J. Forge, M. Hemphill.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 9.9.63 defeated by Lavington 13.6.84.
The pressure at the footy in the early game was a preview of the day to come. The ball went back and forth for much of the day. As did the momentum.
Young Ben Kennedy kicking his first goal for the Pigeons was a great sight.
However, the Pigeon lapse in the second proved costly.
Although, the response in the 3rd kicking 5 goals to 1 to set last quarter up. It was at that time the young Pigeons were really tested.
Hugh Mullins answered the call all day, Zac Fraser back from school combined well and Ben Woodburn’s second half inspired his side.
However, when that beforementioned test arose a lack of discipline and concentration saw the game taken away, the game can only be won with the ball and focus on playing the ball at all times.
Goals: Yarrawonga: B. Kennedy 2, B. Coghill 2, H. Frauenfelder 2, T. Kennedy, H. Surrey, Z. Fraser.
Lavington: H. Steele 2, C. Sanson 2, E. Schramm 2, E. Semple 2, J. Nicholson, C. Robertson, Z. Hanrahan, D. Cameron, O. Lyons.
Best: Yarrawonga: K. Tyson, Z. Fraser, B. Woodburn, W. Wheaton, B. Coghill, J. James.
Lavington: Z. Hanrahan, S. Male, O. Lyons, N. Brennan, J. Nicholson, C. Sanson.
Yarrawonga 3.1 4.3 7.8 7.11.53
Lavington 1.3 7.4 10.8 11.15.81
Goals: Yarrawonga: C. Griffiths 2, M. Whiley 2, T. Lawrence, L. Masters, B. Frauenfelder.
Lavington: T. Hargreave 2, A. Mackinlay 2, M. Brennan, L. Garland, A. Johnson, S. Herzich, A. Flagg, C. Marsh, S. Hopper.
Best: Yarrawonga: M. Whiley, W. Sexton, L. Morey, J. Tonna, H. Wheeler, B. Frauenfelder.
Lavington: B. Dickson, A. Johnson, S. Hargreave, L. Garland, A. Mackinlay.