By David Ball
Yarra Glen travelled to Yea to take on the Tigers and in good conditions got off to a promising start.
While being two goals down at quarter time, the River Pigs were very competitive, creating opportunities through pressuring Yea into a few turnovers.
The second quarter saw Yarra Glen winning more of the ball in the midfield and in a goal for goal battle moved to within a goal of Yea 10 minutes into the quarter.
After a dubious call from the umpire to award Yea an extra kick at goal, the River Pigs lost their focus and intensity, and allowed Yea to run free into space and create a number of quick entries to fast leaning forwards.
After being well held by Jimmy Marks, Yea’s leading forward, Corbin Sutherland was able to mark and convert three quick goals.
Yea went into half time 47 points up.
Early in the third quarter, the River Pigs were dominating general play and had all the play in their forward line.
Sadly, they were unable to convert up forward, kicking five points before Yea had a forward entry.
When Yea finally went forward, they converted and continued for the balance of the quarter to goal from virtually every time they went forward.
They added six goals for the quarter to be leading 18.4 to Yarra Glen’s 4.9 at the last break.
In the last quarter, Yea were running hard and finding loose players everywhere as Yarra Glen failed to pick up Yea’s midfielders.
With their defence under siege, Yarra Glen were completely overrun to end up going down 4.11 to 26.8.
Best players for Yarra Glen were: Oscar Grenfell, Chris Webber, Sam Wood, Tom Sullivan and Chris Beattie.
Goalkickers: Josh Hawkins two, Ethan Murdock one, James Brereton one.
The Yarra Glen reserves were looking to back up after a good win last week but with a number of late withdrawals the team was facing an uphill battle.
Early in the game, the River Pigs competed well and with good defensive pressure were able to keep a younger and fitter Yea to just the two goals by quarter time.
An early goal to Will Duff in the second was all they could manage for the game.
Matt McKenzie was great in defence and Tommy Matthews was winning many contests around the ground.
Clinton Harris was impressive in his first game.
To Yarra Glen’s credit, they continued to battle hard and at times moved the ball well.
In the end, their depleted line up could not match it with Yea and ended up going down 1.3 to 14.10.
Best players were Tom Matthews, Matt McKenzie, Maf Laloulu, Clinton Harris and Sean Spencer.
Goalkicker: Will Duff.
In A grade netball Yarra Glen came away from their journey to Yea with a comprehensive win.
From the first quarter it was evident Yarra Glen would be dominating this game, and a credit to the team was that no matter what combinations were on the court, the high level of
skill was never diminished.
A welcome return from injury for Megan Galetti, as well as Kelsey Eslick continuing to fit seamlessly into this side were positives.
Casey Collins showed in a best on court performance that she will be a valuable asset come finals time.
A grade eventual winners 87-22.
In B grade Yarra Glen faced Yea who had beaten them early in the season.
Once again they encountered a very physical and competitive Yea team.
Yarra Glen responded with poise and strength, answering the challenges with good netball and a positive attitude.
Ellie Estcourt continues to dominate the defensive goal circle in tandem with Jasmin Wood who competed brilliantly all game.
Ellen Keitley and Abby Goodwin were just as efficient in the attacking end and Prue Morse was incredible in centre all game, defensively and offensively.
B grade ran away winners 42-33.
The undefeated C Grade team took on Yea away, in a game where they dominated and had a really strong defensive performance that Yea just couldn’t overcome.
With Michele Young and Tammie Milbourne causing absolute chaos in defence generating many turnovers with their relentless pressure.
Yarra Glen demonstrated a perfect combination of physical and mental strength in a very physical contest.
In a solid team effort, all players worked together seamlessly to achieve a convincing win with the end result being 33-12.
Yarra Glen D Grade dominated their game against Yea from the start, jumping out to a 10-0 lead by quarter time.
They continued the defensive pressure that saw the scores at 25-3 by the last break.
Yea never gave up and as Yarra Glen relaxed in the last, Yea were able to limit the damage with Yarra Glen winning 29 to 6.
Best players were Sarah Matthews, Annabelle Forsyth and Maddie Oultram.
Next week, Yarra Glen hosts Seville, with all teams facing massive challenges against the powerful Blues.
