By David Ball
Yarra Glen celebrated a Pink Lady Sports day in support of Breast Cancer Network at Yarra Glen in the round 17 match against Warburton Millgrove.
In perfect conditions, Yarra Glen scored the first point and then virtually watched on as Warby banged on eight unanswered goals to be 52 points up at quarter time.
They were full of run and spread as the River pigs spent the quarter chasing their quicker opponents.
In a promising start to the second quarter Yarra Glen kicked the first two goals, only to see the Burras once again get going with plenty of run and spread.
Only some errant kicking for goal from Warby kept the half time margin to 83 points as Yarra Glen turned over the ball through rushed kicks to the awaiting Warby defence.
The third quarter saw the younger and quicker Burras dominate as they added nine goals to Yarra Glen’s one.
In the last quarter Yarra Glen showed greater effort with captain Sam Wood leading the way as they added three early goals and started winning more of the ball.
As the River Pig boys tired late in the quarter, Warby asserted their superiority to run out with a commanding 28.25 to 6.5 win over Yarra Glen.
Best for Yarra Glen were, Sam Wood, Jim Marks, Caleb Surplice, Marcus Kikidopolous Tom Sullivan and Daniel Kelly.
Goalkickers, Will Duff two, Josh Hawkins, Sean Sanderson, Marcus Kikidopolous and Heath Chamberlain.
The Yarra Glen reserves watched as Warburton Millgrove banged on three early goals with centre clearances finding Warby forwards in space.
The River Pigs worked hard in the second half of the quarter and with Anthony Delaney and Tommy Matthews in the midfield and Dylan McGaffin taking some grabs across half forward they were becoming very competitive.
The second quarter was an even contest as both sides added two goals.
Warby showed more run and better kicking skills whilst he River pigs showed great intensity and effort. Whilst the Burras kicked six goals to Yarra Glen’s two in the second half, the home side continued to work hard.
Warby proved too good in the end, running and spreading to end up winning by 66 points, Yarra Glen 5.3 to Warburton Millgrove 14.15.
Best for Yarra Glen were Tom Matthews, Anthony Delaney, Dylan McGaffin, Taylor Bryans and Keithy Gerovasilis.
Goalkickers, Dylan Harding two, Andrew Cowan, Taylor Bryans and Luke Harris.
Yarra Glen A grade netball took on top team Warburton Millgrove in perfect conditions.
The Yarra girls started well, taking a four goal lead into quarter time.
The second quarter saw a goal for goal battle and at half time Yarra had maintained their four goal advantage.
The Yarra Glen defence led by Katelyn Vanderkolk had to absorb an increase in forward moves from the Burras to hold on for a three goal lead at the last break.
As the ladder leaders lifted their game in the last, Yarra Glen were unable to contain the Warby shooters as Yarra Glen went down 43 to 47.
Best players for Yarra Glen were Megan Galletti, Kim Williams and Katelyn Vanderkolk.
In a battle between third and fourth, the Yarra Glen B grade netballers started their game strongly to be nine goals ahead at quarter time.
The Burras worked hard in the second to reduce the margin by one.
In the third quarter, Prue Morse in the centre got well on top and with Ellie Estcourt intercepting in defence and Georgia Crugnale converting in goals, Yarra bounced out to 22 goal lead at the last break.
Warby fought it out until the end to contain the Yarra girls to a 21 goal victory, 50 to 29.
A great result against a quality opponent as we move into finals time in two weeks.
In C grade, the weekends match up was against an arch rival club in Warburton.
The undefeated Yarra girls were expecting a great game against the third placed Burras and it definitely lived up to expectations.
The Yarra glen girls started well, moving the ball with ease and finding our shooters wonderfully.
At the last break Yarra Glen led 29 to 21 but Warby did not give up and fought back with a great last quarter.
In an exciting finish they drew level with seconds to go with scores tied at 36 each when the final hooter went.
It was great battle between two highly skilled teams, giving great insight into what to expect in the finals.
Special mention to best on court Natasha Bennett, her ability to read the play and take some really great intercepts throughout the game was exceptional.
In a key battle between fourth and fifth, Yarra Glen D Grade started slowly to be six goals down at quarter time.
In a great second quarter, the Yarra shooters started to convert most shots as they added nine goals to Warby’s six.
This momentum continued in the third as the Yarra girls continued to improve their connection going forward.
This and improved defensive pressure saw Yarra Glen take a four goal lead into the last quarter.
In a dominant final quarter, Yarra Glen increased their lead to end up winning 31 to 21.
In a great team effort the best players were Annabelle Forsyth, Steph Gibbs and Annie Dietrich.
It was great day for the Yarra Glen Pink Sports Day with $13,000 being raided for the Breast Cancer Network.
Next week Yarra Glen travel to Powelltown for the last home and away game for the season.
