Football
Seniors
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It was a tough day at Goorambat with the Bats a well-oiled team and us having players having to play through injuries and double up across both seniors and reserves.
The boys kept their heads up and kept fighting, with Flynn Weeks once again playing a great game down back and in the ruck, David Button also led the charge down back and around the ground having plenty of the ball early.
It wasn’t long until we had no bench left due to players going down with injuries, having to play with 17 in the last half.
Sam Cox stood his ground in the midfield and fought hard through out the whole day, but unfortunately we just weren’t strong enough to compete with the Bats this time around.
Score: Benalla 4.6 (30) lt Goorambat 35.20 (230)
Awards: Tyrepower - Flynn Weeks, Golden Barber - David Button, Royal Hotel - Sam Cox
Reserves
This week felt like a great opportunity for the reserves to go over to Goorambat and take the four points, however, a combination of players pulling out last minute and injuries left us with no bench for for the majority of the game.
The boys fought well with Mack Bodsworth being a huge asset in defence. The midfield held up well with Ayden Amos and Blake Marlborough doing what they do best, fighting hard all day.
In for his first game of the season, Austin Siede-Davon played well, getting in and under creating opportunities all day.
Score: Benalla 2.7 (19) lt Goorambat 15.8 (98)
Awards: Mack Bodsworth - Stella Stella, Blake Marlborough - Terry White, Austin Siede-Davon - Merchant Coffee
Netball
A-grade
Taking on local rival Goorambat is always a big occasion and Saturday was no exception.
Benalla trailed by nine at the first break, with some heavy opposition pressure testing our composure early.
But the team regrouped and came out firing in the second quarter, outscoring Goorambat and shifting momentum our way.
We dug deep and kept pushing, but despite our fight, the final score read 29-41. Jessie Ellis was rock-solid in GD, pulling in key rebounds and transitioning the ball with confidence.
Gertie McCallum worked tirelessly in WA, delivering sharp feeds into the circle. Meagan Hausner stepped up in WD, showing great versatility with a strong performance out of position.
Score: Benalla 29 lt Goorambat 41
Awards: Tyrepower - Jessie Ellis, Royal Hotel - Gertie McCallum, Benalla Racing Club - Meagan Hausner
B-grade
It was trip out the road to local rival Goorambat for what is always a tough match up.
Although the score didn’t go the Panthers way, the team put in a solid effort working well together from defence right through to attack, it was a real team game.
Jemma Smith had a great day on the court, along with Kodi Mustey and Lilly Robertson.
The trio worked tirelessly and cohesively as one unit moving the ball in and around the ring creating plenty of space and opportunity to put shots up.
Score: Benalla 31 lt Goorambat 55
Awards: Jemma Smith - Harry Brown Kodi Mustey - Bill Bo Pop Lilly Robertson - Coffee Merchant Benalla
B-reserve
After a tough loss last week, the B Reserve girls hit the court with something to prove — and they did just that.
All Blacks brought intensity and composure, maintaining consistent pressure across all four quarters.
Harper Robertson deserves a special mention for stepping up from the U15s — she showed incredible courage and quickly found her rhythm among the senior players.
Rebecca Mathieson's steady leadership in the midcourt created plenty of opportunities for sharp shooter, Bri McNair, who made no mistake under the post.
At the other end, Ellex Best once again showed what it means to be a true team player — her defensive pressure and clean three feet defence made it difficult for the Bats to score.
A real team effort sealed the deal against a persistent Bats outfit. The match was hard-fought, but the girls held strong and secured a well-deserved 22 goal win.
Score: Benalla 49 d Goorambat 27
Awards: Rebecca Mathieson - Hollywood’s Pizza, Brianna McNair - Royal Hotel, Ellex Best - Sportspower
Under-17
The All Blacks came out strong against Goorambat, showing great intensity and teamwork early on.
Their fast start gave them a narrow one-goal lead at half-time, but Goorambat found their rhythm in the second half.
Alicia Langlands gave the team great attacking options, excelling in both WA and C.
Her transition into defence was seamless, where she made a significant impact by shutting down the opposition’s key player.
After a short time away, Imogen Randell slotted straight back into the team. She ran hard in both the centre and defensive positions, bringing energy and determination to every play.
Eleanor Renkin was outstanding at both ends of the court.
She shot with confidence and accuracy, and her defensive skills were on display throughout the game, making a real difference on both attack and defence.
Despite the All Blacks' efforts, they couldn’t hold off the surge and eventually went down by seven goals.
Score: Benalla 33 lt Goorambat 40
Awards: Alicia Langlands, Jenny Milner - Watson Pharmacy, Imogen Randell - Royal Hotel, Eleanor Renkin - Chill Out Smoothie Bar
Under-15
After a challenging game in round four, the Benalla All Blacks team responded strongly, putting in a solid effort at Thursday night training to prepare for Saturday’s game against Goorambat.
Their hard work paid off, with the team’s strong performance on game day.
Tarni White once again impressed in goals, following her shots and rebounding beautifully.
Her movement in the goal circle, working alongside Lola Crook and Harper Robertson, created opportunities for midcourt players Charli Levy and Sharni Hughes to feed the ball well into attacking circle.
Sharni Hughes played a consistent four-quarter game, applying strong defensive pressure, and showcasing her versatility by stepping into centre, where she helped transition the ball effectively into attack.
In defence, Darcie Jackson and Libby Renkin showed their strength and awareness, reading the play well to create turnovers.
They were well supported by Imogen English, who had a fantastic game, consistently intercepting passes and preventing Goorambat from entering their goal circle.
Score: Benalla All Blacks 75 d Goorambat 3
Awards: Tarni White – The Royal Hotel, Sharni Hughes – Hollywood’s Pizza, Imogen English – Sports Power
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