All Blacks put in spirited performances against Moyhu

Damian Broughton was solid in defence despite battling injury, showing courage and composure under pressure. Jesse Walker brought energy on the wing, running hard all day and slotting two goals. In the midfield, Tom Levy was relentless, applying strong pressure and drive through the centre.

Despite the scoreline, the Panthers’ effort and determination were never in doubt.

Score: Benalla 3.4 (22) def by Moyhu 23.19 (157)

Awards: Tyrepower Award - Damian Broughton, Bill Bo Pop Award - Jesse Walker, Benalla Racing Club Award - Tom Levy

Reserves

The Panthers rolled into Moyhu hungry for redemption and delivered a convincing 85-30 win.

A fast start was driven by elite centre work from Al Jacka and David Button, giving the forwards plenty of supply. Chris O’Connor dominated up front, slotting multiple goals, while Blake Marlborough and Bailey Lepnik starred across the ground with their trademark brilliance.

Lachy Norman impressed in his return game, and Tyrone Dellar battled hard in the ruck all day against a tough opponent.

The boys maintained pressure from start to finish—a well-earned win built on effort and intent.

Score: Benalla 12.13 (85) def Moyhu 4.6 (30)

Awards: Tyrone Dellar- Royal Hotel, Dylan Orton - Golden Barber, Lachy Norman- Benalla Golf Club, Tyreece Orton - Drinks Voucher

Netball

A-grade

With just five regulars and a rotating line-up, Benalla faced a challenging match, falling 35-78 despite strong effort.

Under-17 player Imogen Randell impressed in goal defence with consistent pressure, while Alicia Langlands worked tirelessly in centre, delivering quality feeds. Amber McIntyre made an impact in wing attack, driving confidently to the circle edge.

Though the score didn’t go their way, several young players stood tall under pressure, showing promising signs for the future.

Score: Benalla 35 def by Moyhu 78

Awards: Imogen Randell - Stella Stella Award, Alicia Langlands - Benalla Racing Club Award, Amber Mclntyre - TyrePower Award

B-grade

The Benalla Panthers showed heart and composure in their 36-55 loss to a strong Moyhu side on Saturday.

With several injuries, the team welcomed young guns Keira Brown and Lexi Squires from the under-17s, and Ellex Best from B-reserve. All three slotted in seamlessly and made strong contributions across the court.

Benalla moved the ball patiently and maintained strong defensive pressure, creating intercepts and keeping the contest alive throughout.

Score: Benalla 36 def by Moyhu 55

Awards: Royal Hotel Award - Kodi Mustey, Terry White Award - Jemma Smith, SportsPower Award - Ellex Best

B-rReserve

Panthers came into Saturday’s clash against the second-placed Moyhu with unfinished business. After narrowly going down by a single goal in their previous encounter, the Panthers were determined to show just how far they had come.

Right from the first whistle, the Panthers meant business. With intent they launched into the match and took control early, leading by five at the first break. Their hunger was undeniable and their teamwork was firing on all cylinders.

Taitum Hemming delivered a standout performance in defence, earning herself best on court honours. Her relentless pressure and sharp intercepts made life incredibly difficult for the Hoppers’ attacking end, consistently turning over the ball and setting up her team on the counter.

In the centre, Joey Gall was her usual tireless self, showing incredible composure under pressure. Her decision-making, slick transitions and measured feeds into the ring helped maintain Panthers’ rhythm throughout the game.

Veteran Bec Mathieson proved age is just a number, showcasing her trademark poise and vision. Her pinpoint feeding and well-timed assists were instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

Yet again, 13-year-old Harper Robertson stepped up with maturity beyond her years. Making her presence known on court, the young gun gave the opposition plenty to think about, bringing speed, confidence and flair to the match.

As the game progressed, the Panthers continued to build on their lead with every quarter, backing each other up, staying vocal, and playing smart, consistent netball.

Their four-quarter performance was a testament to their growth, determination and belief. At the final siren, it was the Panthers who celebrated, running out convincing winners over Moyhu in a 15-goal triumph.

Score: Benalla 38 def Moyhu 23

Awards: Taitum Hemming - Harry Brown Award, Joey Gall - Hollywood’s Pizza, Bec Mathieson - Coffee Merchant Benalla

Under-17

The Benalla All Blacks girls delivered their best performance of the season at the weekend, going head-to-head with a dominant Moyhu side in what turned out to be an electrifying match.

Despite eventually falling short with a final score of 54-37, the girls left nothing in the tank and proved they could match it with one of the top teams on the ladder. The game was level at half-time, with Benalla shocking its higher-ranked opponent by coming out with intensity and cohesion right from the first whistle.

Their first-quarter pressure and fast-paced play caught Moyhu off guard, setting the tone for a fierce and competitive match. Keira Brown was a standout in the ring, combining strong holds and clever movement to control the goal circle. Her rebounding efforts were exceptional, and she used her voice and presence to command play.

Teaming up with Eleanor Renkin, the pair shot with precision and confidence. In the midcourt, Torah Heeps impressed with her sharp movement and impeccable ball placement. Her strong drives onto the circle edge and relentless effort through the centre court kept Benalla’s attacking flow alive.

Alicia Langlands played a pivotal role in linking defence to attack, proving calm under pressure, she made smart decisions and helped steady the game when it mattered most, showing her maturity and leadership through the middle.

It was a massive team effort from the All Blacks, with every player digging deep and backing one another. Their determination made for an unforgettable performance that sets the tone for the rest of the season.

While the scoreboard didn’t fall in their favour, the Benalla girls walked away proud with their efforts.

Score: Benalla 37 def by Moyhu 54

Awards: Royal Hotel - Keira Brown, All Blacks Meal Deal - Torah Heeps, McDonald’s - Alicia Langlands

Under-15

After making the trip to Moyhu, the under-15s were challenged to apply what they had worked on during Thursday night’s training and they certainly delivered.

Darcie Jackson took home the Hollywood’s Pizza Award for her standout performance in centre. She transitioned the ball into the attacking circle with confidence and precision, delivering smart, patient feeds to the goalers. Darcie also put on a strong defensive display, applying consistent pressure and picking off multiple intercepts.

Libby Renkin received the Benalla McDonald’s Award for her outstanding defensive efforts. She demonstrated excellent positioning and awareness, executing solid holds and pulling in key rebounds. Her efforts were instrumental in turning the ball over and setting up seamless transitions through the midcourt.

Sharni Hughes was awarded the Spot 4 Ice Cream Award for her impressive game in wing attack. From the opening whistle, she was a reliable option, delivering sharp feeds into the circle and consistently supporting the defensive plays down the court.

It was a strong defensive performance across the board, and it was fantastic to see the team successfully putting their training into action on game day.

Score: Benalla 42 def Moyhu 29

Awards: Hollywood’s Pizza - Darcie Jackson, Benalla McDonald’s - Libby Renkin, Spot 4 Ice Cream - Sharni Hughes