Symes stars as Pigeons down Tigers

Yarrawonga produced a solid performance defeating by 13 goals in A Grade netball on Saturday in the wet.

The Pigeons’ Dr. Madeleine Allan, finished with 18 goals, while Albury's Ella Stevens battled hard with 15 goals for the visitors.

The standout performer on the court was Hannah Symes, whose dominance in the defensive third proved the difference. Symes continually disrupted Albury's attacking flow with her pressure, intercepts and ability to win back possession.

Maisee Pell began the game at goal attack and provided a solid presence in the Pigeons' forward half line during the opening half. However, it was the coaching staff's second half move to pair Pell with Symes in defence that completely changed the complexion of the contest.

The duo shut Albury out for long periods, turning over possession at will and applying relentless pressure. The visitors simply had no answer for the twin tower as Yarrawonga took complete control of the game.

Ellie Dickins also seized her opportunity at goal shooter while Bridget Cassar enjoyed a well-earned rest. Dickins' performance was another encouraging sign, with her return following the birth of her first child now appearing well and truly complete.

While the Pigeons may have played even better at times in the season, this was unquestionably not their strongest display of 2026 to date but as the saying goes: a win is a win.

Attention now turns to this week's clash against Raiders, which shapes as a blockbuster encounter. A victory for Yarrawonga could, remarkably given how early it is in the season, see the Pigeons cement a place in the top three — and potentially even secure top spot on the ladder.

Awards: H. Symes and K. Leslie

B Grade

Yarrawonga 29 drew with Albury 29

Sarah Moore 17, Ellie Dickens 12.

Yarrawonga’s B Grade side faced the Albury Tigers in testing wet conditions over the weekend, delivering a match that ultimately ended in a hard-fought draw, but one that will feel like a missed opportunity for Pigeons.

Despite the slippery conditions, Yarrawonga came out firing from the opening whistle, quickly adapting to the rain and taking control of the contest. Clean ball movement, strong defensive pressure and accurate finishing saw Yarra establish an early advantage, surging to a 9–4 lead by quarter time. It was an impressive opening that set the tone and demonstrated the side’s ability to perform under pressure.

To Albury’s credit, however, they refused to let the game slip away. Each quarter, the Tigers gradually clawed their way back into the contest, making the most of turnovers and capitalising on any lapses in Yarra’s momentum.

The wet weather played a role as the game wore on, with both teams forced to fight for possession and composure becoming increasingly important.

Yarrawonga continued to create opportunities throughout the match, but Albury’s persistence ensured the margin never became insurmountable.

The Tigers matched Yarra’s intensity in the middle quarters and applied consistent scoreboard pressure, slowly narrowing the gap and setting up a tense final term.

In a gripping finish, both sides traded goals, but Albury’s ability to capitalise on key moments saw them draw level late in the game. Despite Yarrawonga’s best efforts to regain the ascendancy, the final whistle blew with scores tied, leaving the match in a draw.

For Yarrawonga, it was a result that stung. Having established such a strong early lead, there was a clear sense that the game had slipped through their grasp. The players will no doubt reflect on missed opportunities and key moments that could have secured the win.

That said, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. The team’s fast start, ability to adapt to difficult conditions and sustained periods of strong play highlight the potential within the group.

Matches like this provide valuable lessons, particularly around maintaining composure and momentum across four quarters.

Yarrawonga remains positive and focused as they turn their attention to next week’s clash against the Raiders.

With key learnings from this match in mind, the side will be determined to deliver a complete four-quarter performance and return to the winners list.

Awards: E. Sinclair and L. Nolan.

C Grade

Yarrawonga 39 def Albury 36

Briar Rodaughan 24, Montanah Moon 1, Helena West 4.

Pigeons came away with a hard-fought three-goal win over the Albury Tigers in a competitive weekend netball clash. The slippery wet conditions forced us to work extra hard for the win, making sure passes were precise and the game was played to our usual standard.

Albury Tigers started strong, matching Yarrawonga’s intensity and applying pressure across the court. The contest remained close for all four quarters, with both teams fighting hard for every possession and making the most of their opportunities in attack. Pigeons defensive pressure from Shani Dickins, Coco Vodusek, Sophie Wilson and Chantelle Dickson over the court was unstoppable, forcing errors from tigers, for mid-counters Miley Driscoll, Milla Hicks and Stevie Driscoll to pick up and work into our goalers Briar Rodaughan, Helena West and Montana Moon, who fought tirelessly in the goal ring.

Yarrawonga did a great job of sticking together as a team, going back to basics and implementing gameplay that had been practiced on in the previous weeks!

Despite the Tigers’ strong effort and refusal to back down, Yarrawonga Pigeons were able to finish fighting hard getting turnovers in the last minutes of the quarter, finishing with a narrow three-goal victory. It was a tough, physical game played in challenging conditions, and both teams should be proud of the effort they brought to the court.

This week players player went to Miley Driscoll, who worked hard with her team over the midcourt, covering space, applying pressure and forcing turnovers.

Coaches award went to Montanah Moon, who shot goals with ease, holding her space and making her defender work hard to get the ball.

Under 17s

Albury 35 def Yarrawonga 34

Lila Henley 19, Mabel Cope 14.

Yarrawonga started strong against Albury U/17’s in testing, wet conditions, getting out to a 14-9 lead at quarter time.

Lucy Pyle and Jedda Driscoll provided plenty of run through the midcourt, feeding shooters Lila Henley and Mabel Cope with precision. Half time score 23-20 to the Pigeons.

Albury fought back in the second half to level midway in the last quarter. Despite heavy pressure from the defensive unit of Kendall Connell, Sienna Clarkson and Leni Ramsdale, the game came down to who could slot goals through the slippery rings. In the end, the Pigeons lost by 1 in the final minute of the game.

Under 15s

Albury 33 def Yarrawonga 23

R Driscoll 8, R Lidgerwood 7, M George 5, M Eales 3.

Yarrawonga U15s delivered a determined and spirited performance over the weekend, pushing Albury all the way in a fiercely contested match played in challenging wet conditions.

Despite the rain making handling and movement difficult, the game remained tightly fought throughout, with neither side able to break away early. Both teams showed resilience, but it was our composure and teamwork that stood out as they matched their opponent’s goal for goal across much of the day.

Defensively, the girls were outstanding. Their communication was a standout feature, with constant calling, effective switching, and disciplined, tight marking making it difficult for the opposition to find easy scoring opportunities. The defensive unit worked seamlessly together, demonstrating strong connection and awareness under pressure.

At the attacking end, the team showed equal determination.

The players worked tirelessly to create opportunities, displaying patience and composure in difficult conditions. Rather than forcing risky passes, they maintained control by refeeding when needed, ensuring the ball stayed in play and building their attacking phases with confidence.

While the scoreboard stretched to a 10-goal margin late in the match, the result did not reflect the competitiveness of the contest. We remained in the fight all day, never dropping their intensity and showing great resilience against a strong opponent.

Although the girls ultimately went down, their performance was a testament to their effort, teamwork, and positive attitude in tough conditions.

Awards: Coaches award - Ruby Sneddon; Players Player - Winnie Heffernan.