All Blacks young guns stand tall on court

Blake Marlborough continued his outstanding form, making an impact in both the reserves and seniors with some impressive goal kicking. Sam Cox was relentless through the midfield, running hard all day and setting the tone with his work rate. Michael Ryan also stood tall, proving to be a major target up forward and providing a spark with his efforts in the midfield as well.

The boys are now turning their attention to what promises to be another tough contest against Goorambat - and they can’t wait to take it on.

Final score: Benalla 2.5 (17) def by Milawa 36.16 (232)

Awards: Royal Hotel Award - Blake Marlborough, Sports Power Award - Michael Ryan, Harry Brown Award - Sam Cox

Reserves

This weekend we took on Milawa at home. We went into the game a little undermanned as injuries are piling up across both football sides.

Milawa came out firing and jumped out to a big early lead. Blake Marlborough was a presence all over the field, slotting a couple of goals. Chris Orton was a bull in the middle, winning multiple clearances and Dylan Whitelaw-Orton working hard in defence all day.

The pressure around the ball was red hot from both teams. Milawa were just too polished, running away with the game.

Final score: Benalla 3.2 (20) def by Milawa 33.14 (212)

Awards: Blake Marlborough - Tyrepower, Chris Orton - Benalla Golf Club, Dylan Whitelaw-Orton - All Blacks Meal Voucher

Netball

A Grade

Benalla faced a tough test against ladder leaders Milawa, once again fielding a side with several fill-in players. Despite the challenge, the All Blacks put in a spirited four-quarter effort, with the scores locked at quarter-time.

However, Milawa lifted their intensity after the break, applying pressure that Benalla couldn’t match, eventually running out 58–32 winners.

Amid the challenge, young talent shone through. A grade debutants Lola Crook and Harper Robertson stepped up confidently from the under 15s, showcasing why they’re among the club’s brightest prospects. Similarly, Imogen Randell continued to impress, making the leap from under 17s once again with composure and skill beyond her years.

A special family moment added extra spirit as Georgia Levy returned for the day to team up with her aunty, Andrea Hooker. On court, Jessie Ellis delivered another standout defensive performance with strong three-second holds and key intercepts. Elyse Felstead was rock-solid, boxing out hard and securing multiple rebounds, while Andrea Hooker provided calm, reliable ball transition through the midcourt.

Though the scoreboard didn’t go their way, Benalla’s effort and emerging talent provide a promising outlook for the club’s future.

Score: Benalla 32 def by Milawa 58

Awards: Jessie Ellis - Royal Hotel Award, Elyse Felstead - Terry White Pharmacy Award, Andrea Hooker - Sports Power Award

B Grade

Benalla faced top-of-the-ladder Milawa in a challenging match, going down 23-66. Despite the result, the Panthers showed heart and determination from start to finish.

With several players out, juniors Torah Heeps and Lexi Squires stepped up. Torah impressed on debut in centre, showing speed, maturity, and pulling off some brilliant intercepts. Lexi donned the WD bib again, providing a strong link into attack and a calm reset option.

Olive Moon worked hard in GD, using her footwork and reach to pick off tips and rebounds while helping transition the ball out of defence.

Kirsty Eastwood was tireless through the midcourt, rotating between C and WA and constantly creating options in attack.

Score: Benalla 23 def by Milawa 66

Awards: Holly Robertson - Tyrepower, Hollywood’s - Kirsty Eastwood, Coffee Merchant - Olive Moon

B Reserve

The All Blacks knew they were in for a fight when they lined up against Milawa this week, with memories of their last close encounter still fresh.

It was anyone’s game back then, and nothing less than their best would be enough this time around. From the first centre pass, it was clear this would be a fierce contest, with the scoreboard never stretching beyond a two-goal margin throughout the match.

Catherine Dennis once again impressed in the centre position, playing a composed and reliable game. Her precision passing into the ring gave the shooters every opportunity to convert, while her relentless pressure in transition helped turn over Milawa’s play and wrestle momentum back in the Panthers’ favour.

Co-captain Brooke Bradshaw stood tall in goal attack, navigating some tough defensive pressure from Milawa with class. Her ability to read the play and break away into space was critical in keeping the scoreboard ticking over, showing exactly why she wears the leadership title with pride.

In defence, it was Kristy Hanrahan who stole the show. Calm, poised and ever-reliable, Hanrahan pulled off several timely intercepts against Milawa’s sharp-shooting goalers. Her cool head and smart decision-making bringing the ball out of the backline earned her a well-deserved best on court performance.

With acting coach and team manager Hughesy sweating it out on the sideline, the final minutes were edge-of-your-seat stuff. The crowd was electric, riding every play with the players.

In the end, it came down to the slimmest of margins, just one goal separating the sides as the final siren rang out. It was the Panthers who claimed the four points, a gritty and well-earned victory in what was undoubtedly one of the season’s toughest battles.

Score: Benalla 26 def Milawa 25

Awards: Kristy Hanrahan - Stella Stella Award, Brooke Bradshaw - Hollywood's Pizza, Catherine Dennis - Coffee Merchant

Under 17s

The under 17s took to the court with determination over the weekend, holding Milawa to a close contest before falling short 30-41.

The game remained tight through three quarters, with Benalla matching their opponents before Milawa ultimately edged away in the final term.

With a few setbacks during the week, the girls put in a commendable performance under tough conditions and showed real resilience right across the court.

Torah Heeps and Eleanor Renkin impressed in goals, combining well with minimal time together and maintaining high shooting accuracy throughout. Imogen Randell was a standout through the centre, tirelessly linking the court and always presenting as an option.

In defence, Lexi Squires worked hard to apply pressure and shut down Milawa’s attacking plays, while Alicia Langlands provided a steadying influence, showing composure and control during turnovers.

It was a gutsy team performance with plenty of positives to take into next week. With only two games remaining in the season, the team will be looking to build on this effort and finish strong.

Score: Benalla 30 def by Milawa 41

Awards: Stella Stella - Imogen Randell, All Blacks Award - Lexi Squires, McDonald’s - Alicia Langlands

Under 15s

After a close match against Milawa in round 13, the under 15s side were ready to start their game strong.

Before the game started the team was asked to attack the ball and focus on calming the play when moving the ball into attack.

Lola Crook awarded the Hollywoods Pizza Award for her performance in Goal Shooter, her strong rebounds and movement in the goal ring alongside Harper Robertson made it easy for our midcourt players to feed the ball.

Libby Renkin earned the Benalla McDonald’s Award for her solid game in goal keeper, rebounding beautifully and shutting down Milawa’s tall attack.

Sharni Hughes was awarded the Spot 4 Icecream award for another outstanding performance in WA, where she was a strong and consistent option on the centre pass and had great defensive pressure.

Overall it was a great team game and the girls should be proud of their efforts.

Score: Benalla 66 def Milawa 25

Awards: Hollywood’s Pizza Award - Lola Crook, Benalla McDonald’s Award - Libby Renkin, Spot 4 Icecream - Sharni Hughes