The Benalla Women took to the field with 14 players against a strong Mooroopna side on Saturday.
Mooroopna started fast and caught Benalla off guard, scoring an early goal.
Benalla was shaken by an early injury to Rachael, down 2:nil at half-time.
The second half had the ladies inspired by coach Marty Gillies and a solid save by goalie Prue White on a penalty stroke.
With only eight minutes remaining Georgie White deflected for a fine goal, then Sarah Chittick moved up on to the post after running tirelessly all game and managed to sweep one in only minutes later to tie up the scores.
Draw 2:2. Best and Fairest umpire votes: Sarah Chittick 3, Mel Gillies 2, Heidi Perry 1.
The Men started their season on fire after a bye last week. The fit side showed its skills and speed right from the first whistle with excellent passing.
Daniel Treveksis was outstanding as an inner, deflecting in six goals. Brothers Alex and Evan Dowe worked well in the centre controlling a lot of attacking play along with Thomas Hill, Latham Carroll and Rob Dean. Benalla’s defenders Alan Sutherland, Shaun Findlow, Dave McIntyre, Marty Gillies and goalie Perry Plex were so strong Mooroopna struggled to get into their attacking circle.
All men played their positions very well and they were well united.
Won 9:0. Best and Faireset umpire votes: Daniel Trevaskis 3, Evan Dowe 2, Alex Dowe 1.
Seniors next play Friday night, April 26, at 6.30pm for Men and 8pm Women. Training 6pm to 7pm Thursdays, new players welcome.
Juniors
Under-10s
The Under-10s played a great team game, passing and trapping the ball really well and getting in position to receive from their teammates. Zander Gillies swept 3 goals through. Olly, Noah and Xavier all scored a goal each.
Won 6:1. Benalla’s Hollywood’s spectator award went to Zander Gillies.
Under-12s
The first Under-12s game was this week after a bye. This game is played on a half field with six field players plus a goalie. Benalla started their season in an exciting, close match. Madeline Watson was goalie for the first time, making plenty of saves with strong help from the fullbacks. It was a new experience for this team to take part in penalty corners, and they did very well to clear the ball.
Benalla was persistent in the forward line having run after run, and finally Noah was able to sneak one through.
Draw 1:1. Best and Fairest umpire votes: Madeline Watson 3, Oliver Gillies 2, Xavier Watson 1. Benalla’s Hollywood’s spectator award went to Madeline Watson.
Under-16s:
Benalla’s Under-16 players have combined with Shepparton Youth Club (SYC) in 2019.
They also had a great game against Mooroopna, showing exceptional teamwork for a new composite team.
Benalla’s Alex White scored the first goal, leading to a comprehensive 9:4 win.
Juniors next play Saturday, April 27.
Training continues through the school holidays for those able to make it, 5pm to 6pm Thursdays. New players are always welcome — come and try any Thursday.
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