Sophie Littler races to beat her SYC opponent to the ball during Benalla’s under-13 GVHA clash. Photos: David Keen.
GVHA Round 1
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Benalla’s hockey teams hit the field in Shepparton for round one at the weekend, with a special Sunday round in honour of Anzac Day. All players ran hard in the heat, and every team improved right into the fourth quarter.
Under 13s vs SYC
Benalla’s William Keen wins the ball back from an SYC opponent before going on to score a goal during the under-13 clash.
The under-13 Benalla Tigers made an electrifying return, competing against SYC in their first game back.
Hayden shone as goalie with six crucial saves, while Finn’s defence and vocal leadership kept the team strong.
Madeline and Sophie powered the team forward with sharp passes and relentless running, while captain Phoenix made confident tackles and great passes to her teammates.
William and Rachel lit up the scoreboard, with William dominating in attack and Rachel finishing with a spectacular goal in the final quarter for the final result of two goals to SYC’s three.
With this fantastic start, the team is fired up and ready to take on the rest of the season.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Finn Thompson, 2 - Rachel Erickson, 1 - William Keen.
Under 16s vs Strikers
The under-16 Benalla/SYC Tigers have added some players from Shepparton’s SYC club, to make a strong 11-side team for the full field competition this year.
In their first time playing together, they found their feet in the second quarter, with some strong defensive plays along the left side by Erin, Brodie and Ineke.
The Tigers kept pushing against Strikers attack, with a fast break through the middle from centre forward Angus H and half back Jack, up to Indi playing a high wing and back into the circle to Jack who slipped it into the corner behind a mass of players for a lovely goal.
Benalla remained steadfast against the strong, fast and skilled Strikers, who are bolstered by Angus W and Liam this year.
Forwards Lucas, Cooper, Breanna and Kobe constantly ran back to assist in defence, with Rory and Xavier halting many runs.
Goalie Annie had a stellar first game, saving at least 20 certain goals, to hold Strikers to 10-1.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Lucas Moffat, 2 - Angus Hayes; 1 - Annie Ferguson.
Club voted best on ground: Annie Ferguson.
Women’s SYC vs Echuca
Amber, Jacinta, Lee and Erin joined with SYC Women’s team, for a warm and fast loss against Echuca.
Under-8 and under-12 Stick 2 Hockey in Benalla
New players always welcome (with three weeks free) at Benalla’s under-8 and under-12 ‘Stick 2 Hockey’ program, 4:15 to 5:15pm every Thursday in Term 2, for kids aged 5-12, at Churchill Reserve.
For more details please see Benalla Hockey on Facebook, or email benallahockey@gmail.com.
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