Round 11 delivered mixed results across the Benalla and District Junior Football Club, giving sides plenty to build on heading into the back half of the Wangaratta and DIstrict Junior Football League season.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
U12 Black – BYE
U12 Red
Round 11 saw the under-12 Reds travel to Bright. The team found another gear in the second quarter, taking control of the contest and building a lead that continued to grow throughout the game.
A strong defensive effort from the backline laid the foundation, allowing the midfield and forwards to capitalise and keep the scoreboard ticking over and at the end of the day, the Reds ran out convincing winners.
Final Score: Benalla Red 11.8 (74) def Bright 2.3 (15)
Goals: Archer Pickering, Hunter Symes, Ollie Ross, Tom Lambert 2, Toby Smith, Owen Schirmer, Travis Langlands.
Best: Jonathan Goodwin, Ollie Ross, Hunter Symes, Leroy McKenzie, Tom Lambert and Toby Smith.
U14 Black
Fantastic winter conditions greeted Benalla Black in their match up against Mansfield Blue at the Benalla Showgrounds on Sunday.
After a solid showing last week, Benalla was full of confidence, however, it appeared from the outset that the bigger bodied and skilled Mansfield side was going to provide a difficult task.
Mansfield established an early lead and although Benalla showed fight, the under-14 Blacks were unable to impact the scoreboard throughout match, resulting in a 132-point defeat at the hands of Mansfield.
Angus Roscoe again battled hard in the ruck with Jimmy Jackson and Caleb Thwaites giving their all. Teddy Sheehan and Tyson Brown provided options throughout the day with continued improvement from the likes of Jimmy Humphrey and Bella Hazell.
Georgia Trethowan celebrated her 80th game of junior football in the WDJFL which is a huge achievement.
Final Score: Benalla Black 0.1 (1) def by Mansfield Blue 19.19 (133)
Best: Angus Roscoe, Jimmy Jackson, Teddy Sheehan, Caleb Thwaites, Jimmy Humphrey, Bella Hazell.
U14 Red
Coming off a couple of strong performances, the under-14 Red team travelled to Bright in confident form on a sunny winter's day.
The first quarter showed plenty of promise, with strong pressure across the ground matching Bright in the contest, but it was the home side who made the most of their opportunities, kicking two quick goals to take a narrow lead into the first break.
A couple of injuries in the second and third quarters disrupted match-ups and allowed Bright to build on its advantage, though the midfield never stopped competing. Jakobi Williams was particularly impressive, winning first use in the ruck and holding his own against one of the competition's top players.
The final quarter was a highlight, with the team lifting to dominate the middle of the ground, move the ball quickly forward, and produce some brilliant passages of play.
Kicking four goals (three by Ben Staggard) in the last term brought the team right back into the contest and demonstrated the potential to match it with the competition's best. Every player contributed on the day, and there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
The key focus now is building that level of intensity and execution across all four quarters, not just in bursts. Greater consistency over a full game will see this team continue to push the top sides.
Final Score: Benalla Red 6.7 (43) def by Bright 9.6 (60)
Goals: Ben Staggard 3, Jack Hart, Hudson Pickering, Tom Snell
Best: Sam Mount, Jack Hart, Tom Snell, Ben Staggard, Jackson Quarrell, Shanaih Eriha
U17
The Benalla under-17s fell short against a physically mature Bright side at the weekend, but the performance showcased the immense heart and bright future of this young, energetic group.
Facing an older and bigger opposition on their home deck, the under-17s refused to back down, matching their intensity at every contest. Trevor Maru was sensational, earning best-on-ground honours for his ability to win the hard ball, break tackles, and display elite evasiveness under heavy pressure.
In the engine room, Josh Montgomery provided fantastic drive and leadership out of the middle all day, while Noah Langlands did an outstanding shutdown job holding Bright's key dangerous forward well in check.
The under-17s now head into the interleague bye week. The club wishes the absolute best of luck to all of our talented Benalla representatives playing against the Murray Football League this weekend.
Final Score: Benalla 8.8 (56) def by Bright 16.6 (102)
Goals: Ryan White, Tom Mount, Trevor Maru, Josh Byers 2
Best: Trevor Maru, Noah Langlands, Josh Montgomery, Noah Cooney, Josh Byers, Ryan White