It was a dark Saturday for the Yarras on a beautiful sunny winter’s day to start the new fiscal year with six losses and a draw.

B Reserve met Keysborough this week, another undefeated team in the competition and welcomed Tracey Edis to the side. We were thrilled to have so many of our team mates on the side line to cheer us on. Unfortunately from the first siren the gap between the teams on the ladder was evident. That being said, the girls fought to the end with Julie Telfer awarded best on court for her continuous efforts driving out of the goal ring to help bring the ball down the court. We look forward to next week as we finally wave goodbye to our string of top teams and can start to play a competitive game. South Yarra 7 were defeated by Keysborough 41.

This week B grade took on Aspendale. We opened the game strongly keeping them scoreless for the first few minutes. Once again, the Yarras mounted a really strong defensive effort down the court, this enabled us to head into the first break being up by 1. It was a tight game with the biggest margin at a break being 2 points. Our consistency was all over the shop this week, with flashes of brilliance and some silly errors creeping in on occasion. Best on court went to Kristal for outstanding intercepts down the court, the amount of air time this girl gets is longer than the amount of time that a Prime Minister lasts in this country. A special mention goes to Candice for a strong defensive effort, giving the goalers some extra opportunities in the circle. Unfortunately our winning streak ended this week by only 2 goals. Aspendale 37 were defeated by South Yarra 35.

A Reserve had another two new additions to the team this week welcoming Vanessa Bilowski and Laura Rose to the fold. The Yarras took the first three quarters to gel this week really struggling to find their groove and connections with each other. There were flashes of brilliance in the first three quarters but the team lacked consistency and ability to convert turn overs. There was no lack of effort with everyone driving hard and doing their best. Carrie demonstrated her trademark hard work and perseverance in attack and Bronwen and Rebecca got their hands on a lot of ball in defence. The highlight for the Yarras was the last quarter because the team started to gel and connect well down the court. Laura Rose had a great game in WD getting her hands on a lot of ball and when moved into GD in the last quarter, she absolutely dominated, earning her best on court in her first game in A Reserve. Well done Laura! It’s been a tough few weeks for A Reserve but super proud of everyone giving it their all each and every week. South Yarra 22 were defeated by St Kilda City 41.

A Grade missed half of their team, all enjoying the much warmer weather around the world, including our illustrious playing coach, Maggie Riley. Not the least bit jealous! With a new look side, we welcomed debuting players, Harriet Bacon, Gemma Mulqueen and Samantha Tangirala. And what an impact they made! Running our mid court with great drives, intimidating defensive pressure, and positive teamwork, the 2nd placed Dingley were visibly nervous! Lucy Renshaw provided endless turnovers and was just simply a nuisance to her players, earning her a unanimous best on court. In our previous encounter, Dingley were clearly a far superior side. This time round, going goal for goal for 3 quarters, we found confidence in knowing we have the ability to beat the higher positioned teams. Unfortunately some poor passing resulted in an end scoreline misrepresenting the close game. We are excited for our next match-up! South Yarra 22 were defeated by Dingley 32.

The Thirds only had 18 to commence their game against Hallam. Apparently there is also a Hallam Reserve in Pascoe Vale and this abnormality threatened to derail the Yarra’s plans to take home the premiership points. However, the 18 that were present at the ground were a very fine 18 and despite being undermanned took it right up to more abundant Hallam. Liam and Kim were their bulldoggish best and fought hard to win numerous contests. The defense repelled better than wearing too much Lynx Africa does at most night clubs. In fact, Hallam didn’t kick a goal in the first half and a lot of this was due to the good work of Damo, however whilst he was in the last line of defense, Damo dislocated his shoulder, meaning even with the addition of an extra player who had made their way over from Pascoe Vale, the Yarras still only had 18 players for the second half. A more determined Hallam emerged after halftime, but Kingsley continued to carve up the opposition in the middle. Irish Dave in his first game of Australian Rules football tackled more ferociously than the British-Irish Lions did against the All Blacks. Despite the Yarras being out on their legs in the final term a dying seconds goal from Dorca tied the game and insured that we snuck away with 2 of the 4 premiership points on offer.

Both sides were goalless in the opening quarter of the Reserves match. Mick Bohan and Zach got the Yarras going with a goal each in the second quarter whilst the backman, including Presland, J. Bohan, Costello, Pirate and Pereira kept their opponents quieter than librarians. But easy misses by the Yarras meant the Yarras were only winning by four points at the major break. Unfortunately, the Hawks destroyed the sleeping Yarras in the third term kicking six goals which later proved to be far too costly for the Yarras to resurrect. Scarlo roved a ruck contest magnificently and slammed the ball onto his boot whilst in heavier traffic than Melbourne peak hour. Poor goal kicking and a lapse in concentration in the third term were to the determent of the Yarras, losing 3-6-24 to 9-11-65.

The Senior side ventured to Hallam with hopes of avenging the 2016 elimination final loss. At quarter time the two sides were neck and neck with just a goal apiece. The second quarter proved to be disastrous for the Yarras as the Hallam side surged forward with relative ease kicking five goals to none. This proved to be the difference on the day, despite Eamon and Scott again flying the flag brilliantly in the midfield, we went down by 6 goals. Great games were played by Keke and Rusty but when the game was there to be won, the Hawks scored too freely. Despite being on top in some KPIs we just didn’t put it on the scoreboard. A late comeback was stifled by Hallam who kicked the last three goals of the game. We look forward to hopefully having another clash in the finals.

The next social event is the Golden Jubilee ball on 22nd July.

Special thank you to all of our sponsors including Brady Tiling, Hawthorn Hotel, Kingston Trophies, Rounds Real Estate, Simply Health, Q Dental, Hunter Industrials, Eleven Ten Advisory, Melbourne Periodantal, Safety-Wear, Avon Tyrepower, Yo Get It, Signs Here, Rainbow Meats, Helloworld, Flight Centre, Inner Eastern Physio, Coltivare Fruit Supply, McKenzie Allen Lawyers, Bendigo Bank (Surrey Hills/ Canterbury/ Ashburton/ Balwyn), The Swan Street Auctions, Merchant Electrical, Juventino Café Restaurant, RPJ Internet Solutions and all 250 Club, past player members, partners and all Player sponsors.