By David Ball
Yarra Glen hosted third-placed Alexandra, enjoying just their third home game for the season.
The first quarter was a scrappy affair with neither side able to get any free ball movement. The quarter produced only 1 goal as Alexandra led 1.4 to Yarra Glen’s 2 points. In the second quarter, the River Pigs were unable to connect going forward, turning the ball over through errant kicking and adding just 1 goal. At the other end, Alexandra was much more efficient, with their key forwards Stewart and Watkins causing headaches for the Yarra Glen defenders. At half time the Rebels extended their lead to be ahead 5.9 to Yarra Glen’s 1.4.
The River Pigs came out more determined in the third quarter, starting to link up better going forward as Tom Sullivan and Ben Ashton started winning more of the ball. They were able to outscore Alexandra but reduced the margin by just 1 point to be trailing by 22 points at the last change. Kicking the first goal in the last quarter, there were signs of a last-quarter comeback but Alex was able to answer each time Yarra Glen goaled and finished off with the last 2 goals to see Yarra Glen going down by 28 points, 7.10 to 12.14.
Best Players for Yarra Glen were Caleb Surplice, Tom Sullivan, Ben Ashton, Chris Beattie, Josh Hawkins and Heath Chamberlain. Goalkickers – Josh Hawkins 4, Nick McKenzie, Heath Chamberlain and Anthony Harman.
The Yarra Glen reserves were looking for their third win for the season against third-placed Alexandra.
They started with plenty of energy and took it right up to their more fancied opponents to be just 1 point down at quarter-time. The Rebels lifted in the second and whilst Yarra Glen continued to be very competitive they went into halftime 13 points down. The third quarter saw both teams add 2 goals in a very competitive encounter. Whilst Yarra Glen continued to work hard in the last, the Rebels were just that bit better in the contest and as the River Pigs tired, Alexandra extended their lead to 28 points, with Yarra Glen losing, 4.4 to 8.8.
Best players were Jacob Reddaway, Luke Vanderstadt, Drew Brodie, Nathan Deringowski, Dayne Downward and Daniel Kelly. Goalkickers were Drew Brodie, Jarrod Exton, Matt Campbell and Ash Bryans.
Next week Yarra plays at home against Broadford.
Yarra Glen Netball C grade got the day started in a bright fashion. At half time they had moved out to a 21 to 5 lead. Lauren Bull was finishing off the good work from the mid-court. The third quarter saw Alexandra improve but the last quarter was a blowout as Yarra Glen added 22 goals to the Rebels 2.
Final scores Yarra Glen 52 to Alexandra 13
Best players were Lauren Bull (29 goals), Jacinda Fraser and Lily Toomer.
Yarra Glen B Grade were looking to consolidate their spot in the top 4 against fifth-placed Alexandra.
The first quarter was a real battle as both sides struggled to convert. An upset loomed as Alex led 5 goals to 4 at the first break. Yarra Glen responded well in the second, adding 13 goals to the Rebel’s
5. The third quarter saw Yarra Glen add further to their lead to be 33 to 18 up at the last break. The last quarter was very competitive, with Yarra Glen finishing up with a solid victory, 40 to 23.
Best players were Jasmin Wood, Tiah Large and Meaghan Carter.
Yarra Glen A Grade was looking for another big win to stay in contention for a top 2 place. With hard work in defence and mid-court, they were able to consistently outscore Alexandra in the first half, scoring 19 goals in each of the first 2 quarters. Alex showed spirit to add 10 and 12 of their own.
A 20-goal third quarter and some tight defence saw the Yarra girls in control. They finished well to end up with a big, 75 to 42 victory.
Best players were Brooke McGurgan, Alana McGurgan and Edana Lacey
Next week D Grade has another bye, with the other teams facing the strong Broadford girls at home.
