Eighteen of Benalla’s juniors played in the Hockey Victoria Junior Country Championships over the weekend in GVHA representative teams.
It was a fun two days of hockey, with most teams playing five or six games across the two days with kids that they normally play against in the GVHA competition.
Under-14 girls
With a range of experience levels, and many having never played full field hockey, the under-14 girls embraced the tournament with gusto, with Lee Manning assisting Chris Chittick as coach.
As goalie for most games, Annie Ferguson barely let a ball past her pads. Alida Ferguson was a solid full-back, defending the circle and playing many short corners.
The GV defence was further strengthened by Abbie Thannhauser, turning the ball over and pushing out wide to the wings where Bella Gillies ran hard to receive near the circle and push in towards goals.
Under-14 boys
Benalla was well represented in the under-14 boys team with Caleb Gillies, Angus Woodward, Noah Gillies, Angus Hayes, Xavier Kramer, Liam Carroll, Zander Gillies and Jack Chittick coached by Benalla's Marty Gillies and assisted by Cam Gillies.
The boys played five pool matches and were undefeated, finishing equal first on the ladder.
Due to goal difference, this placed them in the play-off for third position. The boys fought hard all weekend with some magnificent running, passing, goals and, most importantly, teamwork.
Under-16 girls
The under-16 girls had a fantastic tournament, managing to retain their gold medals from 2023, with a nail-biting nine penalty shootouts against Geelong.
Jacinta Woodward made strong hits through the midfield. Sophie Winkler received some tricky free passes on the wing and into the circle, and Erin Jenkins forced some good turnovers across the forward line to keep the ball in GV’s circle.
Under-16 boys
The under-16 boys welcomed five players from Wimmera into the GVHA team, gelling together well by the second day. Olly Gillies used his speed in the forward line to push up well into the circle and score two goals. Joel Hamill was a spectacular midfielder, directing the play well as captain and scoring a goal.
Under-18 girls
Amber Armstrong joined in with North Central in the under-18 girls, who appreciated her solid tackles and field presence in defence.
Thank you to all players, parents and supporters who made this event possible.