Yarrawonga 3.3, 7.6, 11.8, 17.9.111.
Wangaratta Rovers 0.3, 0.4, 1.9, 5.10.40.
Goals: Yarrawonga: Leigh Williams 3, Bailey Frauenfelder 2, Lach Howe 2, Ben Kennedy 2, Perry Lewis-Smith 2, Cam Wilson 2, Matt Casey 1, Jess Koopman 1, Logan Morey 1, Willie Wheeler 1.
Wangaratta Rovers: Jack Gerrish 1, Alex Marklew 1, Finn Osborne 1, Dylan Stone 1, Dylan Wilson 1.
Best: Yarrawonga: Ryan Bruce, Logan Morey, Perry Lewis-smith, William Wheeler, Daniel Howe, Michael Gibbons.
Wangaratta Rovers: Brodie Filo, Will McCarthy, Charles Ledger, Lockey McCartney.
The Yarrawonga Pigeons have stamped their ticket to the 2024 Ovens and Murray Grand Final with a commanding performance against the Wangaratta Rovers at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.
The Pigeons’ blend of relentless pressure and unselfish forward play saw them claim a decisive 71-point victory, leaving no doubt about their readiness for the season’s ultimate showdown.
From the opening bounce, it was clear that Yarrawonga was intent on making a statement.
The Pigeons applied unrelenting pressure on the Rovers, disrupting their attempts to build any attacking momentum. The result? The Rovers were kept goalless up until the third quarter, with Yarrawonga showcasing their defensive prowess and ability to capitalize on their own opportunities.
The first quarter saw the Pigeons dominate, with early goals to Matt Casey, Ben Kennedy and Willie Wheeler setting the tone.
By the first break, Yarrawonga had established a handy lead on the Rovers, however were determined to not let it rest heading into the second.
The trend continued in the second term, with the Pigeons adding more goals while their defense remained rock-solid.
Bailey Frauenfelder and Leigh Williams joined the party whilst Jess Koopman unleashed the highlight of the day.
A torpedo on the run from well within the centre square that went through the big sticks was simply astonishing. At halftime, the Pigeons had seven goals on the board whilst the Rovers were yet to kick one.
Defensively, the Pigeons back six were impenetrable all day.
Led by Ryan Bruce and Ned Pendergast, the formidable unit were in total sync with each other, working together like a well-oiled machine to repel any attacks of the Rovers.
Bruce, finding his feet after his long term injury, was judged best afield by the coaching panel in an outstanding display.
The Pigeons came out breathing fire in the third quarter with a clear intent to bury the Rovers.
Four goals within 8 minutes of game time was simply breathtaking.
Perry Lewis-Smith with back to back goals was at his brilliant best whilst the midfield dominance of Lach Howe, Michael Gibbons and Willie Wheeler was first class.
The Rovers finally managed to break their goalless run in the third quarter, but it was a case of too little, too late.
Despite their efforts, they were unable to close the gap significantly.
In the last term, the Pigeons continued to control the game, piling on a further six goals to seal the victory.
Yarrawonga’s performance was a testament to the efforts they have put in as a team all season, now putting them in an excellent position as they head into the grand final.
The victory not only underscores their dominance in the semi-final but also sets up an exciting conclusion to the 2024 season.
The Pigeons will now await the identity of their grand final opponent, with the stage set for a thrilling end to the Ovens and Murray competition.
For local fans, the upcoming grand final promises to be an event not to be missed, as Yarrawonga looks to cap off a remarkable season with the ultimate prize.
OakFM Player of the Year – Yarrawonga v Wangaratta Rovers votes:
5 Ryan Bruce, 4 Perry Lewis -Smith, 3 Nick Irvine, 2 Willie Wheeler, 1 Logan Morey.