The Hawthorn Hotel Report:

B Reserve met Dandenong at the Den this weekend. The Yarras were pumped to be playing at home and to have some of the boys down to cheer them on. Bianca fought hard in defence, intercepting countless passes, despite her opposition towering above her. The attacking end worked seamlessly together, putting the game plan into action. Dandenong had height in their favour at both ends of the court and the Yarras couldn’t capitalise on the hard work. Mary was best on court as she dominated in defence. The scoreboard did not reflect the effort, as the Yarras played probably one of their best games as a team to date Final scores; Dandenong 66 defeated South Yarra 21.

B grade took on Mordialloc and it was a slow start for the Yarras with the attacking end not clicking as well as they have in other matches. The Yarars were able to shift the momentum towards the end of the first quarter to only be down by 6 goals. Once again, the defensive end mounted a consistent performance turning over plenty of the ball. Unfortunately, the Yarras were unable to hold onto the momentum of the first quarter and the Yarras suffered their biggest loss of the season. Best on court was Kristal for her outstanding effort in Goal Defence. A special mention to Hannah for her toughness by playing on despite having a groin injury, her efforts for the team were much appreciated. Hopefully B grade can wash this loss from our minds, using the fantastic mint body wash of course, and go back to our best for the rest of the season. Final scores; Mordialloc 34 to Yarras 18.

A Reserve were out to build on their strong performances over the last few weeks and get the elusive win! The Yarras had a couple of new faces joining the team. The girls didn’t get off to a great start, as they were down by much as ten goals in the first quarter. From the start of the second quarter and onwards everything really clicked for the team. The defence of Rebecca, Samantha, Laura and Gemma provided lots of opportunity to make up ground on the opposition. With great pressure on the shot Sam and Bec really got into the heads of the shooters causing lots of rebounding opportunity. The attacking end also started to click with Harriet (who unfortunately succumbed to an injury in the second quarter) Gem, Mads, Kathy and Steph gelling together nicely to convert the ball provided by the defence. After a little bit of shaky start to the last quarter, the A Reserve team came away with a win over 6th placed Keysborough by 2 goals. Sam was phenomenal for the whole game in Goal Defence, turning over so much of the ball, rebounding and really shutting down the opposition goalers. This earned her a very well deserved best on court. South Yarra 37 defeated Keyborough 35.

With a Saturday morning training session under the A Grade’s belts, the Yarras went into the match full of vitality. Mordialloc also set out with a point to prove, showcasing a unique style of play and hard hitting contests. Despite some opposition unsportsmanlike behaviour, the Yarras maintained their discipline, consistent and positive play throughout the game. Hayley Becker was once again outstanding in GA, working relentlessly and sinking goal after goal. Maggie Riley just has to be the hardest working player in the league. When you think she couldn’t possibly keep up the intensity, she makes a highflying intercept and sprints down the court to be integral to a Yarras goal and was a very deserving best on court awardee. Special mentions to Steph O’Dea and Lucy Renshaw for their strength and resilience after some hard knocks. South Yarra 43 defeated Mordialloc 33.

The Thirds had the unenviable task of taking on Cerberus for the second time this year. The competition’s benchmark side, Cerberus, had a full complement of players. However, the Yarras welcomed back important personnel as well, including 2 out of 3 of the Evans brothers. It was a tight contest all day and it looked as though the Yarras might run over the top of the Navy boys when Ash Evans goaled late in the third term to reduce the margin to just 9 points. But the ever buoyant Cerberus responded to hang on to the crucial premier"ship" points. Brook played another blinder, Trent was good down back, Paddy showed plenty of class on the wing and a new player, Dave was a focal point up forward. However, another honourable loss shouldn’t be accepted by the Thirds, especially with a finals campaign on the horizon.

The Reserves played against Dandenong and right from the first bounce the Yarras were determined to get the four points. Buckets dismantled the Red Legs’ defence by catching the ball more times than Ian Healy during his career, complimented by his seven goals. He was unstoppable and was well assisted by Matty Jewell and Lange in his pockets. R. Dore kicked four magnificent goals, snapping the ball over his shoulder. Will Smith floated from the backline to kick three goals. Khoury continued his form from set shots, kicking two goals. Alby Evans was superb for the second game in one day. Gregurke had more space the Neil Armstrong. The Yarras were victorious, final scores; 26-11-167 to 5-3-33.

As promised the Seniors bounced back in a big way against bottom placed Dandenong. The side was vastly different due to more than a few outs and we even welcomed two first-gamers. Whilst both were called Chris one was much more familiar to the Maroon and Blue… Dan Russell showed ominous signs in the first stanza, out marking the entire Dandenong back line to kick three. He would add no less than six to his daily tally in a BOG performance. Hender was influential in the middle constantly spinning away from Red-legged opponents, often leaving them red-faced. Macca and Sauce rucked beautifully for the mids, so much so that the backline didn’t see much of it, though Jazz did make their ‘spare man’ accountable and slot a six pointer. In the end it was a convincing win and great to see Chris and Gas enjoy their first Senior wins for the Yarras as well as seeing Scarlo kick a goal in his first grade debut. A huge match against a rampaging Black Rock this weekend (away) means everyone on the track this week.

Come celebrate 50 years of Yarras at the Golden Jubilee ball on 22nd July at the Hawthorn Hotel. Details on our Facebook page.

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