Tilly Kennedy was one of the best in A grades win.
In what was a hot, fast-paced and physical clash, the A grade side never looked like losing from the outset against an improved Raiders outfit.
Elle Brookes was superb in her debut game, with great hands in the air, accurate shooting and following everything up for the rebounds.
The mid-court, especially Laura Irvine and Caity O showed their class and speed of hands and feet with no signs of fatigue, even towards the end of the game.
The defensive end was relentless against a tough shooting outfit and in the end it was the fancy footwork and lock-down by Bec and Annalise which really gave them the upper hand.
A great win to get the first on the board for 2019.
Best: Elle Brookes and Tilly Kennedy.
The B graders started their game well, going into quarter time with a 2 goal lead against the Raiders, before coaches Cassar and Flanagan called on the troops to give more and dig a bit deeper in the second.
They listened and the superb defense by Kait, Jayanna and Ellie held the Raiders to 3 goals for the quarter, extending the Pigeons lead to 13 at half time.
The team didn’t falter in the second half and continued to work as a team with great talk and back up all over the court.
The shooting combination of Bridge and Laura is coming together well and this team are a force to be reckoned with.
Best: Kaitlyn Cummins and Jayanna Sharp.
It was another ‘never say die’ game for the C graders, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats with a see-sawing score line and multitude of turn-overs.
Eliza York played her first game of the season in this team and was a welcome target in the goal circle, with an accuracy which needs to be seen to be believed seeing her sink 37 from 42 at 89%. The defensive pairing of Tayla Bogle and Georgia Lawless was outstanding, with hands over everything, superb rebounding and quick transitions sending the ball forward time and time again. Overall, a fantastic team effort to continually come from behind and eventually take home the points, well done ladies.
Best: Georgia Lawless and Leah Rowe.
The young Pigeons girls unfortunately got off to a slow start in the first half against a firing Raiders outfit and the game of catch-up just wasn’t within their reach.
The second half the girls were able to showcase what they are all about and there were some great periods of play, especially by Georgie Hemphill up the court and Ella Burns who shot 19 goals from 21 attempts.
Scarlett York played a fantastic first game at Ovens and Murray level and it’s onwards and upwards from here for this dynamic team.
Best: Georgie Hemphill and Ella Burns.