Benalla under 15s brave against top side in semi-final

Benalla played GVGS Blue in the semi final on Saturday in a very close and hard fought match, with both teams going goal-for-goal the entire game.

The first quarter saw the most goals scored, with the lead changing twice.

Angus Woodward was instrumental in providing attacking runs through the middle of the pitch throughout the game, dodging the GVGS defence to score the first goal early.

Goalie Annie Ferguson defended brilliantly all game, making two exciting saves from big shots on goal in the first quarter.

Alida Ferguson ran hard to find space on the wing then raced back into the circle, scoring Benalla’s second goal from the post off a long pass from Angus pushing through the midfield.

GVGS matched with two goals, then Angus replied with a fast solo run through from the centre start to score around their goalie. He then scored again with a huge hit through from the top of the circle to keep Benalla in front, four goals to three.

The second quarter saw GVGS increase its intensity, putting the pressure on full back Abbie Thannhauser who never once shied away from the charging forwards, putting on fantastic pressure and several great tackles to halt them before the circle.

Full back Talon Mackenzie not only provided great defensive tackles, but took three long runs up the field to find open teammates up near Benalla’s attacking circle.

Erin Jenkins played as a wing and a centre forward and was very persistent with her pressure and ability to make the ball hers, shutting down GVGS’s options for free hits.

With just 30 seconds to go until half time, Erin scored Benalla’s fifth goal after intercepting a GVGS defensive hit, passing around the circle to Angus and Amity, then receiving back and firing a firm push in past the goalie.

Both teams were tiring in the heat in the third quarter, but Liam Carroll never stopped running, playing between full back and centre forward, his relentless pressure and multiple steals were fantastic to watch.

Angus scored Benalla’s sixth goal after a nice cross pass from Liam who ran the ball down the field after receiving a free hit from Angus.

A late penalty corner for GVGS saw Annie halt their first big hit on goals, but they managed to sneak a rebound hit into the corner, to level the game again at six goals apiece.

The final quarter saw Amity Hurd on the wing play some of her best hockey for the year, pushing in to the midfield to counter GVGS’s attack, with outstanding defensive and forward pressure adding some great steals and solid passes to the game.

Angus and Erin made some good runs into the circle, with Alida racing full speed to the post, but GVGS’s defenders halted every hit at goals.

Annie agilely stopped multiple big hits on goals, but GVGS managed to hit one in to the left corner with just two minutes remaining.

Benalla raced the ball down again but GVGS returned it, earning yet another penalty corner right on full time. Annie and the defenders prevented an eighth goal, with Angus sending the ball hurtling down the field to finish the game.

The Tigers played their absolute hearts out and put in 100 per cent all game to come up short by only one goal in the final minutes, losing 6:7.

GVGS Blue now meet Strikers Blue in the U15 Grand Final at 11.30am this Saturday.

Goals: Angus W 4; Alida Ferguson 1; Erin Jenkins 1.

Umpire Best and Fairest votes: Angus Woodward 3; Talon MacKenzie 2; Liam Carroll 1.

Junior season wrap-up:

All of Benalla’s junior players would like to send a huge thank you to their coaches for inspiring them all year, and to their team managers for keeping it all together!

U12: Amber Armstrong assisted by Jacinta Woodward, and Sheryl Littler;

U15 Black: John Chittick and Liz Hayes

U15 Orange: Latham Carroll and Trish Carroll.

Senior results:

SYC Women lost 2:1 against Strikers, to progress to a semi-final this Saturday.

Strikers B Men won 3:2 against Mooroopna, progressing to a semi-final on Saturday.