Bats secure big wins in senior football, A grade netball to kick season off in style

The standout on the day was new player Dominic Payman kicking 10 goals and playing some time in the middle, earning him best afield, with James Dalton back at the club playing solidly all game.

Hunter Carter is going to be a great asset for the team this year and played well, with the ever reliable Victor Butler providing his typical run and carry helping the boys to a good win.

Scores

Goorambat: 5.4, 9.7, 15.8, 17.10 (112)

Benalla All Blacks: 3.1, 4.4, 5.5, 10.11 (71)

Best Players: Dominic Payman, James Dalton, Victor Butler, Hunter Carter, Matt Priest

Goals: Dominic Payman 10, Victor Butler 3, Des O’Kane, Matt Priest, Kobe Black, Rob Wilson

Reserves

Goorambat reserves got off to a great start to the season on Saturday against Benalla All Blacks, with seven unanswered goals in the first quarter from which the boys just didn’t look back.

Charles Hunter was a stand out across half forward, winning the ball and converting on the scoreboard, along with Jack Trevena playing a great game up forward as well.

Overall it was a great team effort by the group, which did please new coach Clem Briggs, and they should take a lot out of the game.

Scores

Goorambat: 7.3, 11.5, 17.9, 19.12 (126)

Benalla All Blacks: 0.0, 1.1, 1.1, 1.4 (10)

Best Players: Jack Trevena, Charles Hunter, Lawrence Richards, Grayson Kirk, Dylan Barber.

Goals: Charles Hunter 5, Jack Trevena 4, Dylan Barber, Andy Ellis, Lawrence Richards 2, Dan Bryant, Gary Priest, Grayson Kirk, S. Shepard.

Netball

A Grade

Goorambat 45 def All Blacks 16

A Grade capped off the round with a dominant victory over All Blacks.

Goorambat controlled the match from the outset, showcasing composure in attack and relentless work through the midcourt.

Eliza Cole was exceptional in defence, shutting down her opponent and creating numerous turnovers. Olivia Dalton provided strong drive and consistency through the centre, while Kylie Relf was accurate and composed in goals.

It was a complete team performance and a strong statement to open the season.

Awards:

Best on court: Eliza Cole - Riverbank Cash Award, Olivia Dalton - Royal Hotel, Kylie Relf - Terry White

B Grade

Goorambat 39 def All Blacks 22

B Grade also enjoyed a strong start to the season, securing a win over All Blacks.

With a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent, Goorambat showed great cohesion and composure throughout the match. The team’s ability to work together across all areas of the court proved the difference.

Awards:

Best on court: Ally Ellis - G & S Gall cash award, Mya Bye - Goorambat Railway Hotel, Kelsey Moss - Early Bird

B Reserve

Goorambat 48 def All Blacks 21

Goorambat’s B Res side delivered a commanding performance, defeating All Blacks in their first game of the year.

From the opening whistle, the Bats controlled the game with strong defensive pressure and smooth ball movement through the midcourt. The defensive unit created numerous turnovers, while the shooters capitalised with accurate finishing.

Alyssa Priest led the way with an outstanding all-round performance, earning best on court honours. Fiona Doig was consistent and reliable, while Ally Ballard made a strong impact across the court.

It was an impressive team display to open the season.

Awards:

Best on court: Alyssa Priest - Muscle Mend Cash Award, Fiona Doig - Royal Hotel award, Ally Ballard - Early Bird

17 & Under

Goorambat 21 def by All Blacks 34

The under-17s battled hard in a competitive contest but fell short.

Kaitlyn Russell was outstanding in defence, reading the play exceptionally well and generating multiple turnovers. Molly Martin provided strong support in the defensive end, applying consistent pressure throughout the match. In the midcourt, Lola Mount offered great drive and connection, helping transition the ball into attack.

Although the scoreboard didn’t favour Goorambat, the team’s effort and resilience across all four quarters was a highlight.

Awards:

Best on court: Kaitlyn Russell - Hammond Family Award, Molly Martin - Terry White, Lola Mount - Spot 4 Ice Cream

15 & Under

Goorambat 14 def by All Blacks 93

Goorambat’s under-15 side opened their season against a polished All Blacks outfit. Despite the result, the young Bats showed plenty of encouraging signs.

Alarna Button and Aaliyah Wakley combined well in the goal circle, demonstrating strong movement and growing confidence under the post. Through the midcourt, Tilly De Fazio worked tirelessly, creating space with strong drives while also applying impressive defensive pressure.

While All Blacks proved too strong, Goorambat can take confidence from a competitive first quarter and a determined effort across the game.

Awards:

Best on court: Alarna Button - Hammond Family Award, Aaliyah Wakley - Terry White, Tilly DeFazio - Spot 4 Ice Cream