Jack Chittick represented the GVHA at the Junior Country Championships in Greensborough at the weekend, one of three Benalla products to feature in the tournament alongside Angus Woodward (GVHA) and Jack Hurley (HCV). Photo: Chris Chittick.
Junior Country Championships
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The Hockey Victoria Junior Country Championships were played across three venues in Melbourne at the weekend, with regional teams from across Victoria vying for the gold medal.
Benalla was well represented in the under-16 Boys competition, with Jack Chittick and Angus Woodward playing for Goulburn Valley Hockey Association, while Jack Hurley lined up for the for Hockey Central Victoria representative team.
On Saturday, GVHA won, drew and lost a game in Pool A against Hamilton, Ballarat and West Gippsland, respectively, with HCV in Pool B beating East Gippsland but losing against Geelong and North Central.
On Sunday, GVHA met the strong Geelong in the semi-final, with Angus scoring GVHA’s goal, but eventually going down. GVHA then met Hockey Central Victoria in the tightly contested bronze medal match, with HCV winning within the last few minutes, 2-1.
Stick 2 Hockey in Benalla
Under-12s Declan and Holly dodge Sienna’s stretched-out seaweed tackle during a game of Hoctopus. Photo: Lee Manning.
Benalla’s Stick 2 Hockey program is in full swing, with many continuing into Term 2.
Under the gentle guidance of coaches Sophie and Phoenix, the under-8s have improved their dribbling and stealing skills, and love scoring goals and playing Hoctopus!
The under-12s have perfected pushing, trapping and stealing, and are about to master tackling and learn slap-hitting, under coaches Rachel, Finn, Jack, William and Hayden.
Under-7’s S2H Wyatt moves in to steal from Kayden, with Harry following closely. Photo: Lee Manning.
“The under-12s love playing Number Hockey and mini games. They weren’t too sure about trying ‘Hockey Rugby’ last week, but in the end had great fun with it,” head coach Lee Manning said.
New players aged 5 to 12 are always welcome, with equipment provided and the first three ‘come and try’ sessions free. To get involved, head along to Churchill Reserve from 4:15 to 5:15pm on Thursdays in Term 2.
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