Round eight of the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League saw all five Benalla teams at home for our Gather Round proudly sponsored by Jaclyn Symes.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
U12 Black
The under-12 Benalla Blacks have officially found their next gear this season, securing a hard-fought 18-point victory over Centrals at home.
After a slow start to the year, the game hung completely in the balance heading into the final term. At the three-quarter-time break, coach Paul put it all on the line.
He challenged his players' desire, demanding they want the win more than their opponents on their own home ground. The Blacks responded instantly, running out for the final term charged and ready to take the challenge on.
The Blacks' defensive unit did a ripping job, keeping Centrals scoreless in the final quarter. While the game remained winnable for both sides mid-way in the last, a brilliant goal on the run from Jack McKenzie shattered Centrals' hopes and sealed the victory.
Spencer Whitechurch claimed the prestigious Gather Round match ball after a ripping performance, constantly throwing his body in and under every pack.
Up forward, Max Reynolds and Fletcher Relf rewarded the team's midfield dominance with two goals each. Frank Christie, Jack McKenzie, and Bill Bourke were also massive contributors all day, providing the relentless work rate needed to charge the boys home.
Exciting momentum is building with Benalla Blacks.
Score: Benalla Blacks 6.4 (40) def Centrals 3.4 (22)
Goals: Maximus Reynolds, Fletcher Relf 2, Ted Clancy, Jack McKenzie
Best: Spencer Whitechurch, Frank Christie, Jack McKenzie, Bill Bourke, Seth Lambden, Maximus Reynolds
U12 Red
Round eight saw the Reds take on the Kangaroos, with the Reds putting together another strong performance to come away with an impressive 81-16 win.
The Reds came out firing in the opening quarter, kicking six goals to set up a commanding lead early. It was another terrific team performance, with plenty of strong contributions right across the ground.
It was a fantastic all-round effort from the Reds as they continue their strong season.
Score: Benalla Red 12.9 (81) def Kangaroos 2.4 (16)
Goals: Archer Pickering 6, Mitch McGee 2, Jaxson Heatherill, Ollie Ross, Hunter Symes, Tory Woodhams
Best: Archer Pickering, Hunter Symes, Ollie Ross, Mitch McGee, Ryder Hindle, Bella Quarrell.
U14 Black
Benalla Black took on a strong Centrals line up for Gather Round at Benalla Showgrounds on Sunday.
What loomed as a tough day at the office was anything but with Benalla taking the game right up to the more fancied Centrals outfit in the first half.
With limited rotations and down key players, Benalla faded in the third term before a spirited final term eventually saw them going down by 62 points.
Angus Roscoe was instrumental around the ground with fantastic ruck work whilst providing strong follow up and tackling pressure. Caleb Thwaites again emptied the tank playing a physical brand of football with a team-oriented approach.
Jimmy Jackson hit the scoreboard with his skill and touch a feature. Jack Davies and Manny Bourke looked dangerous up forward with versatile big man Teddy Sheehan playing his best game of the season.
A special Gather Round football was presented to the player who best followed the coaches instructions with Robin Arnold a popular recipient.
Score: Benalla Black 4.4 (28) def by Centrals 13.12 (90)
Goals: Jack Davies 2, Jimmy Jackson, Jack Christie
Best: Angus Roscoe, Caleb Thwaites, Teddy Sheehan, Jimmy Jackson, Robin Arnold, Manny Bourke
U14 Red
Another big challenge faced Benalla Reds on our home deck today. Coming up against one of the competition’s top sides in the Kangaroos, we knew it was going to be a tough contest, but we were confident that if we competed hard in the right areas, we could give ourselves every chance and make them earn everything.
The first half didn’t go our way on the scoreboard, and we didn’t get much reward for the effort we were putting in. One of our key focuses was to take the game on and be brave with the ball, looking to attack through the middle of the ground. It was really pleasing to see the group embrace that mindset and continue to look for those opportunities, even when things weren’t falling our way.
At half-time, the message was simple: keep backing ourselves, keep taking the game on and use the opportunity against a quality opposition to learn and improve. To the players’ credit, they stuck to the plan, kept working hard and continued to play with courage and intent.
It was fantastic to see those efforts rewarded in the second half. To outscore a side of that quality after half-time was a great reflection of the character, resilience and determination shown by every player.
A special congratulations to Jaxson Kroon for winning the Gather Round footy for playing his role to perfection.
Score: Benalla Red 8.6 (54) def by Kangaroos 13.11 (89)
Goals: Jack Hart 4, Sam Mount, Jackson Quarrell, Tom Snell, Jakobi Williams
Best: Jack Hart, Sam Mount, Jakobi Williams, Jackson Quarrell, Tom Snell, Jaxson Kroon
U17s
The Benalla under-17s suffered their first setback in six weeks, falling to a clinical Wangaratta Kangaroos outfit by 79 points at the Showgrounds on Sunday.
Facing one of the competition’s benchmark sides, the under-17s fought bravely early, but were ultimately overwhelmed by the visitors' relentless outside run and scoring power.
Despite the heavy scoreboard pressure, Benalla’s defensive unit battled with immense courage. Full-back Charlie Bell was exceptional, put under non-stop pressure but remaining solid and tough all afternoon. He received great support in the back half from Mason Willett and Noah Cooney, who both stood like rocks under fire.
Around the ground, Trevor Maru worked tirelessly in the clinches, while Xavier De Fazio provided great drive on the wing and capped off his work with two goals. Tom Mount also battled hard up forward to finish with two majors of his own.
The team now head into a well-earned bye weekend to regroup, refresh, and prepare to launch into the second half of the season.
Score: Benalla 4.8 (32) def by Kangaroos 16.15 (111)
Goals: Xavier De Fazio, Tom Mount 2
Best: Charlie Bell, Trevor Marui, Xavier De Fazio, Mason Willett, Ryan White, Noah Cooney