By David Ball
Round 6 saw Yarra Glen travel to Alexandra to take on the top 3 Rebels outfit.
Alex started with a number of slick forward entries but some wayward kicking saw them register just 3 points.
The River Pigs got going with Captain Ben Ashton showing the way as they dominated in the midfield.
The defence of Callum Morison, Ryan Smith and Caleb Surplice kept the home side’s key goalkickers, Watkins, Stewart and Norris quiet.
At quarter time Yarra Glen led 2.2 to 0.3.
The second quarter proved to be the opposite of the first, as Alexandra won clearances at will and heaped pressure on the Yarra Glen defence.
Whilst the Yarra defence continued to keep the 3 key Alex forwards quiet, they could not stop their 4th key forward in Nankervis.
Who finished with 4 goals.
He was leading quickly and marking strongly as the home side piled on 5.6 to Yarra Glen’s 1.2 for the quarter to lead by 17 points.
If not for some errant kicking for goal, Alex could have put the game out of reach.
Yarra Glen did lift in the third quarter and matched Alex as both teams added 4 goals.
Alexandra quickly kicked the first goal in the last to stretch their lead to 26 points.
The balance of the quarter was a very even affair, with Yarra Glen working hard right to the end but were unable to close the gap eventually going down by 25 points, Yarra Glen 8.9 to Alexandra 11.16. With many players making solid contributions it was difficult to single out the best players in an even team effort.
Alexandra were just that bit better and deserved their win.
Best players were Ben Ashton, Sam Wood, Callum Morison, Richard Gurney, Callum Morison, Tom Sullivan and Heath Chamberlain.
Goalkickers were Ben Ashton 2, Richard Gurney 2, Heat Chamberlain, Josh Hawkins, Nick McKenzie, Ben Johnson and Max Forbes.
The Yarra Glen Reserves did well to get a team on the ground with more than 15 players injured or unavailable.
With 3 new players helping to fill the ranks, it was difficult early for the River Pigs to get any system whilst Alex dominated to kick 6.2 to Yarra Glen’s nil for the 1st quarter.
The second quarter was much more competitive with Ash Bryans and Captain Regen Daniel creating some drive from the midfield.
The defence restricted the Rebels to just 2 goals in the second.
With a limited bench and a lack of fitness, the River Pigs tired in the third as Alex piled on 8 goals. To Yarra Glen’s credit, they continued to fight hard in the last as they added a few points and limited Alexandra to 5 goals.
Final score Yarra Glen 0.4 to Alexandra 21.16.
Best players were Ash Bryans, Regen Daniel, Will Duff, Max Murphy, Brenton Cantle and Nathan Deringowski.
The day began with C Grade, who started strongly to lead 12 -2 at quarter time.
With clean ball handling and quick precise passing, the girls extended their lead in every quarter.
They proved far too good for Alexandra, who battled hard but were well beaten, Yarra Glen 56 to Alexandra 20.
Best players were Ashley Shanks, Riley Shanks and Michele Young.
In B Grade it was a battle between 4th (Yarra Glen) and 5th (Alexandra).
A win was important for Yarra Glen to sure up a top 4 position.
In a very competitive first half, Yarra Glen opened up a slender 4 goal half time lead.
After half time Yarra Glen lifted their intensity, opening up a 12 goal lead going into the final quarter.
Their ball control continued to be superior to that of their plucky opponents as Yarra Glen ran out convincing winner, 30 to 23.
Best players were Jasmin Wood, Alex Bray (26 goals) and Natasha Bennet.
Coming off losses in their last 2 games it was important for Yarra Glen’s A Grade team to get back on the winners list.
With a 23 to 8 first quarter it was clear this was going to happen.
Importantly the girls worked hard through all 4 quarters and continued to outplay and outscore Alexandra in each quarter.
Their passing was quick and clean and the defenders made numerous intercepts to see Yarra Glen winning easily, 74 to 30.
Best players were Kayla Toomer, Maddy Hargrave (56 goals) and Lara Wandin Collins (18 goals).
Along with the footballers, the Yarra Glen netballers will be playing their first game for the season at Yarra Glen, with their Pink Sports Day fundraiser in honour of Sandra Wood, the mother of players Sam and Jasmin, who we sadly lost to this terrible disease.
It will be great to have the community back at Yarra Glen and to come along and support the cause and the club.
