Albury Tigers 7.5: 47 def Yarrawonga 1.4: 10
On a cool but dry Sunday the eager under 12 Pigeons made the trek to Lavington Sports Ground to take on the Albury Tigers in the Qualifying Final.
The Tigers and the Pigeons were one for one, against each other this season, so this game was up for the taking.
The message from coach Bigger was for the Pigeons to get themselves over the footy first, provide a shepherd for their teammate and bring the tackling pressure to each contest.
The first quarter was a true tussle, both teams made it hard for one another to score.
Jetta Oughton was outstanding with many contested marks.
Billy Vagg was reliable across half back, chasing anything that moved and although the Tigers went to the first break a goal ahead, it was anyone’s game.
In the second quarter, the Tigers increased their defensive pressure which made it difficult for the Pigeons to find much penetration into their forward 50.
Every single possession was under enormous pressure.
The Pigeons back line stood strong as Jackson Katz had an effective impact on the last line of defence, and Todd Lawless played well above his height, flying through the air with clean possessions and effective tackles aplenty.
The message from Biggsy at half time was that this game was not over yet.
The third quarter was where the Tigers really took off, nailing a few goals in a row despite the courageous Pigeons throwing everything they had at this game.
The ruck contests were shared around, with Marley Bigger flying the flag for some great hit-outs and Ed Mulquiney somehow finding his left boot in an extremely congested goal square, finally sealing the lone goal for the Pigeons.
The Tigers were now five goals in the lead.
The last quarter saw the Pigeons do themselves proud, with incredible sportsmanship and strength of character on display from all 24 players who didn’t give up until the final siren sounded.
This team of champions got around each other and their coaches, and there is no doubt that they’ve got more in the tank this finals series.
Next week they meet the North Albury Hoppers at Bunton Park for a spot in the Grand Final.
Go Pigeons.
Goals: Albury: L. Smith 2, D. Lolback, J. McCallum, T. McSwiney, P. Vesey, J. Young.
Yarrawonga: E. Mulquiney.
Best: Albury: C. Packer, D. Lollback, C. Burnett, R. Bull, T. McSwiney, J. McCallum.
Yarrawonga: J. Oughton, M. Bigger, T. Lawless, F. George, J. Katz.
3°C