By David Ball
Yarra Glen travelled to Yea as the rain cleared in time for the Under 18’s to start the day.
Having narrowly beaten Yea in their previous encounter the boys were primed for a tough Anzac week battle.
With Callum Sanders dominating in the middle and Kobey Jarvis stopping everything on the half back line, the River Pig colts were continuously forging forward.
In a great all round team effort, Yarra Glen were able to go into half time leading 5.3 to 1.1.
Yarra Glen were able to continue to with everyone contributing as they kept Yea to just the one point for the half whilst adding four goals themselves.
The River Pigs were a little wasteful up forward, kicking 4.9 for the half to run out winners, 9.12 to 1.2.
Goalkickers were: Callum Sanders 3, Lachlan Rutherford 2 and singles to Alex Toscano, Bradyn Stewart, Kobey Jarvis and Lachlan Carter.
Best Players; Callum Sanders, Kobey Jarvis, Alastair Lowrie, John Pavic and Lachlan Rutherford.
The Yarra Glen Reserves were primed for a big effort against Yea and started well to be leading 1.4 to 0.4 at quarter time.
Having more of the ball, they could have been further ahead if not for some missed opportunities up forward.
In the second quarter, Yea lifted their intensity and with more run were able to go into half time four points ahead.
Yea dominated in the third quarter as the Yarra boys were beaten in contests all over the ground.
If not for some wayward kicking, Yea could have been further ahead as they added 2.8 whilst Yarra Glen failed to add to their half time score.
The River Pigs lifted in the last to be more competitive but eventually went down 3.6 to 7.21.
Goalkickers were Matt McKenzie 2 and Nick McKenzie 1.
Best players were: Dylan Jarvis, Matt McKenzie, Max Murphy, Keithy Gerovasilis, Callum Tucker and Ethan Murdock.
The Yarra Glen seniors got off to a flyer against Yea with Max DePina snapping a goal in the first 30 seconds, followed by another soon after.
Losing ruckman Dan Wilson to a dangerous tackle concussion made things difficult with Yea being well served with their two big ruckman.
Caleb Surplice, however, provided great opposition and with Aussie Smith in the midfield and Ben Ashton off half back the River Pigs were able to take a two goal lead into half time.
The game continued to be a tight tussle with goals hard to come by.
Yarra Glen missed three straight forward set shots only to see Yea burst forward to nail two quick goals late in the quarter to narrow the gap to just five points at three quarter time.
Yarra Glen scored an early goal only to have Yea quickly respond.
A desperate touch on the line from Trent Russell prevented Yea from taking the lead.
Following a goal from Josh Hawkins to stretch Yarra’s lead to 12 points, it was Yea’s turn to miss a couple of set shots.
In a great team effort with all the Yarra boys playing their roles they were able to seal the game with three late goals to run out 18 point victors, 8.12 to 5.12.
Goalkickers – Josh Hawkins 4, Max DePina 2 and singles to Aussie Smith and Marcus Kikidopolous.
Best Players –Aussie Smith, Ben Ashton, James Brereton, Caleb Surplice, Chris Webber and Marcus Kikidoplolous.
In A grade netball Yarra Glen took on Yea and got off to a good start to be 18 to 8 up at quarter time.
They stretched the lead to 20 at half time.
In third quarter, Yea lifted and started connecting better as they went forward and matched Yarra Glen with 11 goals for the term.
The last quarter was also quite even as Yarra Glen ran out comfortable winners, 60 to 38.
Best players were Jasmine Evans, Maddie Hargrave (45 goals) and Elsie Dobson.
Also playing Yea, Yarra Glen’s B Grade had a battle on their hands but were able to take a two goal lead into quarter time.
In the second quarter the Yarra girls took control and added 19 goals to 5.
Yea fought hard in the third to retain possession better and kept up with Yarra Glen in a goal for goal contest.
The last quarter saw Yarra dominate with a 16 to 4 quarter to finish with an excellent 59 to 26 win.
Best players were Tiah Large, Georgia Crugnale (26 goals) and Kayla Collins.
C Grade faced a determined Yea and had to work hard for a two goal quarter time lead.
They took control in the second with better ball control and great conversion in goal to be 11 goals up at half time.
As Yea lifted in the third, they kept up with the Yarra girls as they both added eight goals for the quarter.
With a good final quarter Yarra Glen were able to extend their lead to finish with a comfortable 37 to 22 victory.
Best players were Ashley Shanks, Annie Dietrich and Noeline Davidson.
Yarra Glen’s D Grade started the day at Yea and took an early four goal lead only to see Yea fight back in the second to narrow the difference to just one goal at half time.
As Yarra Glen’s defence worked well together they kept Yea to just one goal for the third quarter whilst adding seven to be seven goals ahead at the last break.
In a solid last quarter Yarra Glen were able to hold on to a five goal victory, 20 to 15.
Best players were Lily Dove, Phoebe Boot and Annabelle Forsyth.
Next week Yarra Glen plays at home against Yarra Junction in the Senior and Reserves football and all the netball grades with the Under 18’s playing against top of the table Pakenham.
The Vets have a bye.
