Seniors
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After a great week on the track with amazing numbers we took on North Wangaratta at home, the game started extremely fast with both teams going hard at every contest.
Flynn Weeks stood tall and strong down in full-back with the Hawks having plenty of repeat entries early, we were able to create some run and carry out of the backline and result in a couple good goals.
Sam Cox created plenty of options with his strong hands over head, his hard work and ability to run all day proves he is a player to watch all year.
After a big first half of footy in the hot weather it was fair to say both teams were feeling it, Campbell Drury held his own all game, playing through the ruck, back and forward and winning at every contest, it was fair to say he can play well at any position.
With the game coming towards an end all the boys played with great heart and pride, keeping North Wang to three goals in the fourth and having most of the ball in that quarter. In the end the Hawks were just too good and played extremely well.
Score: Benalla 5.5 (35) lt North Wangaratta 22.22 (154)
Awards: Tyrepower - Sam Cox, Royal Hotel - Campbell Drury, Sportspower - Kieran Linke
Reserves
After an exciting turnout on the track during the week, the boys were fired up and ready to go come game day.
A great first quarter led by the experience of Josh Kotvas and Kaare Glass saw the Panthers go into the first break with a five-point lead. Our pressure and effort showed we could match it with the opposition.
Rob in the ruck created a great contest and battled hard all day. A couple of good leads from Harry Ellis gave us a great target down forward as well.
The second quarter started off well but after a few mistakes North Wang edged their way back into the game, taking the lead at half time.
David Whitechurch and Mack Bodsworth battled hard all day in defence, working overtime to try and ease the pressure of the North Wang forward line.
A strong second half by North Wang and the heat getting to the boys saw North Wang run away with the win as the Panthers struggled to keep up on the scoreboard.
Score: Benalla 5.3 (33) lt North Wangaratta 15.22 (112)
Awards: Mack Bodsworth - Hollywood's Pizza, David Whitechurch - Golden Barber, Josh Kotvas - Benalla Golf Range
A-grade
Benalla claimed its first win on home soil for 2025 against North Wang in extremely hot conditions.
With almost a full roster Benalla was able to utilise its bench and have fresh legs coming in after each break. Fighting hard every minute the clock was ticking, Benalla’s massive team effort proved strong and cemented their first victory 36-26.
Jessie Ellis as always was a huge standout managing multiple intercepts and rebounds. Jessie’s presence on court is loud and a massive contributor to this A-grade unit.
Elyse Felstead back for her first game this year and didn’t look a step out of place, getting her hands on every ball and making her opponents work overtime to gain possession.
Meagan Hausner as always played a key role for the Blacks, Meags did a mountain of work across the court, always calm and steady, finishing off with precise feeding into our shooters.
Score: Benalla 36 d North Wangaratta 26
Awards: Harry Brown Award - Jessie Ellis, Benalla Racing Club Award - Elyse Felstead, Terry White Award - Meagan Hausner
B-grade
In the hot sun Benalla took on North Wang. With a few out B-grade called on Dee Manning, Courtney Sammon, Sarah Sangster and also asked Alicia Langlands from the under-17s to help out.
These girls all slotted into the team beautifully and allowed the players to swap and change when needed which was extremely helpful in the heat.
The first half saw the Panthers a bit rushed in their passes and their decision making. The ball was being forced into the goal circle allowing it to be turned over making the defence work hard.
The defence were up for the challenge though, creating pressure in and around the goal circle. Half time score had the Panthers down 13-21.
The second half started off the same as the first but the Panthers were able to recognise this and adjust, improving their leads and decision making.
The defence continued their pressure and rebounding throughout the game allowing the second half to be much closer than the first. The final score saw All Blacks down 30-42.
Score: Benalla 30 lt North Wangaratta 42
Awards: Tyrepower Benalla - Chloe Pilkington, Terry White - Olive Moon, The Coffee Merchant - Sarah Sangster
B-reserve
Under the steady leadership of co-captains Brooke Bradshaw and Bec Mathieson, the All Blacks B-reserve side proved far too strong for the North Wang Hawks, securing an impressive 50-19 victory.
From the opening whistle, the team set the tone with relentless pressure and excellent ball movement. The co-captains led by example, steering their side with composure and confidence, ensuring the team maintained structure and intensity throughout all four quarters.
Bri McNair delivered a standout performance and was well-deserving of best on court honours. She played a dominant holding game in the goal circle, showcased great timing with her rebounds and shot with accuracy.
Kristy Hanrahan’s versatility shone brightly as she rotated through three different positions across the game. Her strong leads, clean releads, and ability to slot into any role made her a key contributor to the team’s fluid game play.
Meanwhile, Chloe Dods was her usual humble self in defence, but her presence was anything but quiet — she racked up several key intercepts and consistently offered strong options down the court, contributing to both defence and transition play.
It was a great all-round performance by the team, who adjusted seamlessly to positional changes and maintained high intensity across the court. Their cohesion, adaptability, and hunger for the contest saw them dominate from start to finish.
With a final scoreline of 50-19, the All Blacks can be proud of a convincing win over a hard-working Hawks outfit.
Score: Benalla 50 d North Wangaratta 19
Awards: Bill Bo Pop - Chloe Dods, Sports Power - Kristy Hanrahan, Stella Stella - Brianna McNair
Under-17
In a thrilling and hard-fought netball match, the under-17s narrowly defeated North Wangaratta 27 to 25.
The game went right down to the wire, with North Wangaratta mounting a strong challenge in the final quarter, threatening to snatch the win, but the team held their composure under pressure and managed to bring it home in the dying minutes.
A standout performance by Eleanor Renkin, saw her awarded best on court for her tireless work at both ends of the court. She led with determination, moved the ball smoothly through the midcourt, grabbed key rebounds, and was a constant source of encouragement for her teammates.
Ruby Crook slotted seamlessly into wing attack, bringing intensity with strong, clear leads and commanding presence around the ring. Her voice and direction helped steer the play effectively throughout the match.
Torah Heeps made smart decisions in the ring, with movements that created fantastic play in the attacking end. She helped to create vital scoring opportunities when they mattered most.
It was a gutsy effort from the whole side in what was a great display of teamwork and determination.
Score: Benalla 27 d North Wangaratta 25
Awards: Eleanor Renkin - Royal Hotel, Ruby Crook - Coffee Merchant, Torah Heeps - Spot for Ice Cream
Under-15
After a bye in round two, the team was excited to see what they could bring to the court.
From the first whistle, the under-15s worked as a team to apply fantastic defensive pressure across the court, creating multiple opportunities for intercepts and turning over the play to allow the mid court of Darcie Jackson, Charli Levy and Bella Hazell to feed the ball well into our attacking circle.
Lola Crook and Tarni White moved beautifully in the goal circle together while our defenders worked super hard this week with Emma Manning, Libby Renkin and Imogen English reading the play well, allowing multiple intercepts to then patiently move the ball down the court.
Once again it was a fantastic team effort and it’s great to see our U15 side putting into practice their hard work from training.
Score: Benalla 61 d North Wangaratta 14
Awards: Bill Bo Pop - Lola Crook, Chill Out Smoothie Bar - Charli Levy, Spot 4 Ice Cream - Darcie Jackson
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