By David Ball
Football
Yarra Glen travelled to a windswept Mick Moreland Reserve to take on third-placed Berwick Springs. Kicking with the aid of a strong wind the Titans were able to launch long into their forward line from a dominant half-back line. Yarra Glen’s defenders and midfield were heaping plenty of pressure on Berwick Springs, forcing a number of rushed behinds and errant kicks at goal. The Titans also missed a few gettable set shots and ended up a wasteful 3.10 at quarter time to Yarra Glen’s 1.1.
The second quarter saw the River Pigs increase their intensity and dominated general play, adding 3.1 to Berwick Springs 2 points to reduce the margin to just 4 points at halftime. Callum Morison was marking strongly across half forward and only some desperate defending from the Titans kept Yarra Glen from converting more of their opportunities.
Yarra Glen was all over Berwick Springs in the third quarter. They controlled play, winning the contested ball and spreading to set up many forward moves. Despite having the wind advantage, the Titans could only add 1 goal whilst Yarra Glen missed some set shot opportunities to add 3 points. Only 8 points down at the last break, the scene was set for a major upset.
As the wind died Berwick Springs were able to convert up forward to add 3 goals in a short burst, Matt Collett marking strongly contributing 2 of those. Whilst Yarra Glen kept attacking, kicking another 2 goals, Berwick Springs lifted their intensity and ended up 14-point winners. Final score Yarra Glen 6.8 v Berwick Springs 7.16
Best for Yarra Glen were Sam Wood (1 goal) Sam Horsley, Callum Morison, (3 goals) Blake Binion, Jarrod Hull and Richard Wyles. Jayden Schille was the other goalkicker with 2.
The Yarra Glen reserves were once again short on manpower compounded by last-minute replacements needed for the seniors. Facing the top side they struggled from the start. Despite kicking with the wind in the first quarter they were outscored to be 23 points down at quarter time.
The River Pigs fought hard early in the second but were run over late in the quarter as the Titans banged in quick goals to be 61 points up at halftime.
With injuries and a depleted bench things only got worse and despite their best efforts they were soundly beaten by a very strong and even opposition. Final scores, Yarra Glen 2.3 to Berwick Springs 22.18.
Best for Yarra Glen were great efforts from Alec Peterson, Brendan Davis, Dayne Downward, Brendan Davis, Luke Vanderstadt, Heath Chamberlain and Patty Tucker.
Next week the footballers take on Gembrook at home in their last game for the season.
Netball
In A grade netball, Yarra Glen faced a spirited Berwick Springs in windy conditions and had to battle for a 4-goal lead at quarter time. As they settled into the contest, the girls extended their lead in each quarter to run out clear winners, 45 to 30. The win guarantees A grade a finals berth with 2 games to play.
Best for Yarra Glen were Katelyn Vanderkolk, Lara Wandin Collins and Kayla Collins.
In B Grade Yarra Glen got off to a fast start, leading 19 to 6 at quarter time. In the second Berwick Springs lifted and matched it with Yarra Glen in a goal for goal battle. In the second half, the Yarra girls got back to playing their best netball and ran out easy winners, 50 to 24.
Best for Yarra Glen were Kim Williams, Meaghan Carter and Ellen Brown.
C Grade was looking for back-to-back victories but met some stiff opposition as Berwick Springs kept within 4 goals at the first break. The Yarra girls improved their ball control as they became accustomed to the windy conditions. They outscored their opponents in each of the remaining quarters to run out 12 goals up at the end, winning 44 to 32.
Best for Yarra Glen were Ashley Shanks, Alex Bray and Kali Fraser.
In D grade Berwick Springs started strongly, taking a 5-goal lead over Yarra Glen by quarter time. By halftime, Yarra Glen was 10 goals down, with the taller Berwick Springs Goal Attack proving to be a handful for the undersized Yarra Glen defenders. Some changes at halftime helped Yarra Glen to balance up the contest, but Berwick Springs were too good in the end, with final scores Yarra Glen 21 to
Berwick Springs 36.
Best for Yarra Glen were Chantelle Farley, Ellie Symes and Kim Christian.
Next week Yarra Glen plays Gembrook at home and then travels to Berwick the following week for the last game before finals.
