Benalla juniors show good form as finals approach

The early 8.50am bounce saw a slow start from the Benalla boys, still rubbing the sleep from their eyes in the first term. But once Caleb Thwaites snapped into gear, there was no stopping them.

Caleb set the tone with ferocious attack on the ball and was everywhere, while Jimmy Jackson was snappy through the centre, showing no signs of slowing down all day. Bailey King looked sensational kicking the opening goal, proudly flagged by his mum on debut as goal umpire.

Max Yuen-Francis gave the team great shape across the ground, Ollie Ross worked tirelessly from start to finish, and Bentley Parker was a brick wall in defence - dashing, reliable, and composed under pressure.

Jack Crook brought the crowd to life with a brilliant curling goal and display of fierce tackling while Bill Bourke also stood tall with a strong and composed game.

It was a fantastic team performance and a well-earned win for Benalla Black on a brilliant day for junior footy.

Score:

Imperials JFC U12s 1.2 (8) def by

Benalla U12s Black 9.5 (59)

Goal kickers: Tyson Brown, Caleb Thwaites, Jimmy Jackson 2, Bailey King, Jack Crook, Jackson Quarrell.

Best players: Caleb Thwaites, Jimmy Jackson, Max Yuen-Francis, Ollie Ross, Bill Bourke, Bentley Parker.

U12 Benalla Red

In a preview to the first final in a fortnight’s time, the match between Centrals and Red was sure to be a hot contest. 

In warm conditions Benalla started strong however inaccurate kicking kept the contest close. Benalla’s midfield continued to control the game in the second term, led by its stellar midfielders Roscoe, Beriman, Smith and McKenzie. 

Jack Davies (6 goals) turned the game on its head with his hard running and fierce attack on the ball. The second half was similar to the first with high rotations and quick ball movement resulting in the multiple scoring attempts. 

Teddy Sheehan continued his stellar season providing a strong target all game with a high work rate, finishing with 2 majors himself. The backline was again lead by Harley Kupke who plays with fierce determination and is rarely beaten. 

Benalla Red finishes the home and away season next weekend against a strong Bright outfit.

Score:

Centrals JFC U12s 3.4 (22) def by

Benalla U12s Red 10.12 (72)

Goal kickers: Jack Davies 6, Teddy Sheehan 2, Jack McKenzie, Hudson Pickering.

Best players: Jack Davies, Teddy Sheehan, Xavier Ber iman, Toby Smith, Harkley Kupke, Jack McKenzie.

U14 Benalla Black

Black took on Imperials on the newly redeveloped Wareena Park surface.

The early going of the game saw the ball see-sawing from each team’s half back lines. Black was pumping the ball forward only to see it rebounded out by Imperials as quickly as it entered the forward 50.

Black’s back six stood tall, led by Charlie Bell and Nicholas White. Charlie was attacking the disputed ball with ferocity, bursting from pack and driving the ball forward. Not to be outdone, Nic took numerous intercept marks and spotting up teammates in better position with clever foot passing.

Benalla began to get its running style of game going off the back of Josh Montgomery, whose long runs and penetrating kicking began to break the line of the opposition.

The forwards began to find their feet, leading at the ball carrier which changed the game up for Benalla. Jakobi Williams took some strong marks up forward and was rewarded with a couple of goals for the game.

He along with Ollie Wardill were giving the opposition backs some headaches as they both began to present as targets up forward.

Hugh Ross had run hard all day, whether into attack to create an option or working hard defensively to help the defenders, at times unselfishly passing off to bring teammates into the game.

After a slow start Ryan White covered every inch of Wareena Park, winning the hard ball and delivering the ball to the advantage of his team, while having a hand in a couple of goals and finishing the day with two of his own.

Focus now shifts to our last home and away game against a powerful Myrtleford outfit. Special thanks to under 12 players Lachie, Caleb, Jimmy and Max who ensured we fielded a full team.

Score:

Imperials JFC U1 4 s 3. 1 (19) def by

Benalla U14s Black 7.19 (61)

Goal kickers: Ryan White, Jakobi Williams 2, Ollie Wardill, Ollie Parker, Hugh Ross.

Best players: Hugh Ross, Nicholas White, Charlie Bell, Josh Montgomery, Ryan White, Ollie Wardill.

U14 Benalla Red

Benalla Red took to a beautifully sunny Wareena Park to face the third-placed Kangaroos, and despite being low on numbers, they showed no shortage of determination.

The Reds fought hard all day, matching their opponents in effort and intensity, eventually going down 12.8 (80) to 8.8 (56).

From the first bounce, Benalla Red made it clear they weren’t going to roll over. Their pressure around the contest was outstanding, and their teamwork shone through despite missing several regular players.

Leading the charge was Jack Pollard, who delivered his best game of the season, dominating across the ground with strong marks, clever ball use, and relentless effort.

The young side continually pushed the Kangaroos, staying within striking distance throughout the match. Each player stood tall, showing grit and commitment, with several stepping into new roles to help cover the gaps in the lineup.

Their four-quarter effort reflected a group unwilling to give in, and the scoreboard didn’t quite capture how hard they made their opponents work for the win.

We thank the under 12 superstars Logan, Louis, Xavier and Teddy who helped us put a side on the park, all four of you played outstanding roles.

Score:

North Wangaratta JFC U14s 12.8 (80) def

Benalla U14s Red 8.8 (56)

Goal kickers: Jack Hart, Harry Bast 2, Ollie Smith, Teddy Sheehan, Tom Mount, Jude Binion.

Best players: Jack Pollard, Xavier De Fazio, Tom Mount, Charlie Pollard, Tom Snell, Eli McKean.

U17 Benalla

Benalla’s Under 17 team started strongly in its penultimate match of the season against third-placed Wangaratta Imperials on Saturday at Wareena Park.

In an even first quarter, Benalla had multiple opportunities to score, rebounding off half-back. The home side kicked three goals for the term to lead by 17 points. Benalla, to its credit, outscored Imperials in the second quarter to reduce the lead to 10 points.

Imperials, however, kicked seven goals in the third quarter to establish a match-winning lead. Benalla, on the other hand, left the hard work to too few in a disappointing performance.

An even last quarter saw Benalla kick two goals, the final margin finishing at 61 points.

A special mention goes to volunteer central umpire Damien Cooney, who took decisive action in the last quarter to address a serious on-field behaviour issue with all players. His leadership in stopping the game to address the issue should be commended.

Oscar Beaton played his best game of the season, marking strongly and kicking three goals, to be Benalla’s best player. First-year defender Jackson Fry played an excellent team role in the last line of defence. Co-captain Bryce Cooney was again busy on the wing, while Hunter Carter and Braedon Blackford tried hard.

Mason Willett impacted the game in defence in another improved performance. Trevor Maru and Liam Fielding both kicked one goal each.

Benalla will conclude its season this Saturday against the Tigers.

Score:

Imperials JFC U17s 15.9 (99) def

Benalla U17s 5.8 (38)

Goal kickers: Oscar Beaton 3, Liam Fielding, Trevor Maru.

Best players: Jackson Fry, Bryce Cooney, Oscar Beaton, Hunter Carter, Braedon Blackford, Mason Willett.