Closing in: Lochie Morrison gets a handball away under pressure. Photos: Garry Jones
Benalla All Blacks faced what may have been the toughest challenge of their season so far on Good Friday — a trip to take on arch rival Bonnie Doon.
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For the club’s senior and A-grade football and netball sides, a win on Bonnie Doon’s home turf was an opportunity to send a serious message to the competition at this early stage of the season.
A gallant senior football side started strongly and battled hard as they have done all season, picking up a strong 18.11 (119) to 8.13 (61) win.
Attacking threat: Georgia Spencer.
The side seized control of the game around the contest, with Jake Jones dominating the ruck battle.
The Panthers’ forward pressure throughout the game proved a major catalyst for the win, with Lochie Morrison and Cody Crawford doing the dirty work to ensure Bonnie Doon was unable to win the clean ball.
A six-goal first quarter had the Panthers in front at the first change, a lead which they extended in the second as they piled on another four unanswered goals.
In traffic: David Button moves it on.
New-recruit Lachy Thompson’s efforts down forward were again rewarded with six goals, taking his tally to a whopping 25 from just three games.
In reserves action, the All Blacks went down by an agonising five points in the 11.6 (72) to 12.5 (77) defeat, with Josh Hyland’s defensive work a standout all game.
Midfielders Brendon Smith and Ayden Amos had an impact around the contest, while Ahren McNab presented well all day.
On the move: Marnie Thorne.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks netballers also enjoyed some fine performances against their arch rivals.
The A-grade side had their work cut out of them against a physical Bonnie Doon side, the Panthers prevailing 45 goals to 37.
Jessie Ellis was back to lend her expertise in defence, while Olivia Cavicchiolo was also effective in a variety of defensive roles.
Solid hands: Nic Spencer goes up for a mark.
Marnie Thorne brought the pressure as she switched between centre and goal defence positions, while Georgia Spencer was effective as always up front, switching into the centre in the later stages of the game.
The B-graders suffered a tough 53-45 defeat against a tall Bonnie Doon opposition, with Emma Sangster a shining light in shooting and mid-court positions.
On the move: Joel Bate weaves through traffic.
Junior action saw the under-17s and 15s suffer defeats, despite some very pleasing performances from the likes of Lilly Robertson, Jessica Holland and Imogen Randell across both games.
Goorambat enjoyed the bye, with both clubs back in action this weekend for the Anzac round.
Good drop: Riley Moran was impressive again against Bonnie Doon.
Winding up: Al Jacka.
Assessing her options: Samantha Bochtler.
Sinking the boot into it: Jesse Walker pumps it long.
Hot contest: Chelton Orchard wriggles away from a tackle.
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