A grade All Blacks produce season’s best performance

The All Blacks played smart, controlled netball from one end of the court to the other, coming out firing from the opening whistle and maintaining their intensity and momentum for all four quarters.

Chelsea Gilcrist earned best on court honours once again with another outstanding defensive performance. After moving into goal defence, Gilcrist had a huge impact across the court, charging through the midcourt, getting hands to countless balls and dominating the rebounds.

Aneiki Pierce was tireless through the centre, producing a massive four-quarter effort. Her second efforts were exceptional, while her pinpoint feeds into the goal circle and ability to transition the ball from defence to attack were instrumental in Benalla's success.

Maddie Burgess also impressed at wing attack, working hard to create space, applying strong defensive pressure through the midcourt and delivering precise feeds to the goalers throughout the game.

The win sees the Benalla All Blacks climb into seventh position on the ladder as they continue to build momentum heading into the back half of the season.

Score: Benalla All Blacks 57 def Moyhu 45

B Grade

B Grade entered the match determined to secure their third win of the season, and an impressive first half showed exactly what the side is capable of. The Blacks played with confidence and intensity to take a four-goal lead into the main break.

Unfortunately, they were unable to maintain that momentum after half time, with Moyhu lifting their intensity in the third quarter to turn the game around and take a three-goal lead. Both teams fought hard in the final term, but Moyhu capitalised on some crucial turnovers to extend their advantage and claim a 42-35 victory.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. The team showed they can match it with the competition at their best and will head back to training focused on building the consistency needed to produce four strong quarters of netball ahead of next week's clash with King Valley.

Best on court honours went to the ever-consistent Keeley Sheehan, whose strength, reliability and defensive pressure were outstanding throughout the match.

Jemma Smith earned second best after overcoming relentless defensive pressure to maintain her composure and accuracy in the shooting circle.

Third best went to Tori Hedger, who continues to impress each week and has become a vital member of the B Grade side.

Score: Benalla All Blacks 35 def by Moyhu 42

B Reserve

An undermanned Benalla All Blacks B Reserve side faced a tough challenge against a polished Moyhu outfit on Saturday, going down 12-56.

From the opening whistle, Moyhu applied relentless defensive pressure, getting hands to almost every second pass and making the most of every turnover. Despite the scoreboard, the All Blacks never stopped competing and continued to fight for every contest.

With the side missing almost its entire regular attacking line, Lilly Robertson led the shooting end alongside a number of talented fill-ins. The combinations showed plenty of effort and determination, but came up against a well-drilled Moyhu defence that capitalised on every opportunity.

Greer Mitchell earned best on court honours after an outstanding four-quarter performance in defence. Mitchell created numerous turnover opportunities and applied relentless pressure against a highly skilled attacking circle.

Second best went to under-17 standout Amali McKenzie, who stepped up to play three strong quarters in attack. McKenzie showed composure and courage against a physical and experienced defensive unit, continuing to work tirelessly throughout the game.

Third best was awarded to Jasmine Smith, who produced one of her strongest performances of the season. Smith consistently put herself in great positions to contest loose balls and never stopped working for her teammates.

Score: Benalla All Blacks 12 def by Moyhu 56

Awards: Best on Court - Greer Mitchell, Second Best - Amali McKenzie, Third Best - Jasmine Smith

Under 17s

Benalla's under-17s knew they faced a tough challenge against a strong Moyhu outfit on Saturday.

After a difficult opening half, the side regrouped and returned to the court with renewed determination, fighting hard to contest every ball and lift their intensity. Despite their improved second-half performance, Benalla went down 34-66.

Alicia Langlands earned best on court honours with a strong all-round performance. She applied excellent defensive pressure through the midcourt and consistently delivered precise passes into the goal circle.

Darcie Jackson produced a tireless four-quarter effort in centre, attacking every loose ball and showing great patience in the attacking end. Despite some frustrating calls that didn’t go her way, she remained composed and continued to lead by example with her calm, steady approach.

Keira Brown had a strong start out at goal attack before shifting back to goal shooter, where she was a commanding presence. Her strong holds under the post and ability to vary her movement made her a constant target in attack.

Score: Benalla All Blacks 34 def by Moyhu 66

Under 15s

The Benalla All Blacks under-15s travelled to Moyhu for round 16, with the team challenged by coach Jemma Smith to make a fast and strong start. The young Panthers responded brilliantly, taking control of the game early despite a determined effort from the home side.

Benalla led 17-10 at quarter time before Moyhu fought hard to stay in the contest. The Panthers maintained their composure throughout the match, continuing to transition the ball smoothly from defence to attack and holding their lead at every break.

In attack, Lola Crook and Harper Robertson combined beautifully in the goal circle, using their strength, speed and movement to create scoring opportunities. Through the midcourt, Lilly Hazell, Olivia Mullaly and Sharni Hughes worked tirelessly to create space and deliver precise feeds into the attacking circle, helping Benalla maintain consistent scoreboard pressure.

Defensively, Sophia Young and Imogen English applied relentless pressure across the court, forcing multiple turnovers and taking several clean intercepts. Inside the defensive circle, Lara McConachy and Kayla Woodhams once again proved a strong defensive combination, shutting down Moyhu’s attack with strong rebounding, well-timed intercepts and disciplined defensive pressure.

It was another fantastic team performance, with every player contributing to a well-earned victory away from home.

Score: Benalla All Blacks 57 def Moyhu 43

Awards: Hollywood’s Pizza Award - Kayla Woodhams, Benalla McDonald’s/ Club Award - Sophia Young, Spot 4 Ice cream Award - Olivia Mullaly

Football

Seniors

The young Panthers travelled to take on the highly rated Moyhu outfit on Saturday in perfect winter football conditions, with a warm afternoon setting the scene for an entertaining contest.

Both sides attacked the game with plenty of intensity from the opening bounce, but it was the Hoppers who made the most of their opportunities early. Their efficient ball movement and accurate finishing saw them continually hit the scoreboard, opening up a six-goal advantage by the first break.

To the Panthers’ credit, they refused to take a backward step. The second quarter was arguably their finest of the season as they matched one of the competition’s benchmark sides. The young Panthers slammed on four unanswered goals during a thrilling period of football and played with confidence, purpose and belief. Both teams booted six goals for the quarter, leaving the margin unchanged at half-time but giving the Panthers plenty of confidence that they belonged on the big stage.

The goals continued to flow after the main break, with the Panthers continuing to fight hard. However, the weight of numbers and Moyhu’s quality eventually took its toll. The Hoppers took complete control in the final term as the young Panthers began to run out of legs after such a spirited effort.

While the first and final quarters ultimately proved costly, there were plenty of positive signs to come out of the contest. The performance showed genuine green shoots, with the young Panthers beginning to believe in themselves and demonstrating they can match it with the competition’s best for extended periods.

Sam Cox was simply outstanding, collecting possession after possession in a dominant all-round display and finishing with three goals. Captain David Button once again led from the front, inspiring his teammates with his fearless straight-line attack on the football and relentless tackling pressure.

Spencer Hunter and Jake Dempster continued their impressive seasons with another pair of classy performances, while veteran Damian Broughton turned back the clock across half-back, repelling countless Moyhu attacks and showcasing his elite foot skills throughout the afternoon.

It was another valuable learning experience for the young Panthers, who will take plenty of confidence from their ability to match one of the league’s premiership contenders for long periods as they continue their development.

Score: Benalla All Blacks 13.6 (84) def by Moyhu 27.14 (176)

Awards: Tyrepower - David Button, Harry Brown - Damian Broughton, Benalla Racing Club - Sam Cox

Reserves

It was another tough day for the Benalla All Blacks reserves as we travelled to take on Moyhu with a heavily undermanned side. A huge thank you to Moyhu for loaning us a few players so we could get a game underway - a great show of sportsmanship that reflects what country football is all about.

Despite the scoreboard, there were some encouraging signs throughout the day. The boys put together a few nice passages of play with some clean link-ups, showing what we're capable of when we move the ball well.

Chris Orton gave us first use out of the middle, competing strongly all day. Dylan Whitelaw-Orton never stopped battling and once again gave everything for the jumper, while Tyreece Orton played his best game of the season, working hard from the opening bounce to the final siren.

The final score read Benalla 0.2 (2) to Moyhu 37.15 (201). While it wasn't the result we were after, the effort and commitment of the boys who took the field couldn't be questioned. We'll continue to stick together, keep improving, and look forward to the next challenge

Score: Benalla All Blacks 0.2 (2) def by Moyhu 37.15 (201)

Awards: Royal Hotel - Chris Orton, Tyrepower - Dylan Whitelaw-Orton, Sportspower - Tyreece Orton

All roads lead back home this weekend to celebrate the ABFNC history with 1971, 1976 and 1981 premiership reunions and the club’s Silver Circle. If you bleed black, you’re invited to celebrate the past with some great people.