Ready to rock: Goulburn Valley Hockey Association under 18s boys team — Benalla’s Charlie Grimwade back row, second from right.
Many of Benalla’s juniors competed for Goulburn Valley Hockey Association representative teams in the Hockey Victoria Junior Country Championships in Melbourne across the weekend of May 14 and 15.
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Under-13 girls Erin Jenkins (inner) and Lily Stewart (full back) played for the Sunraysia Hockey Association with all others playing for GVHA: Angus Hayes (wing) and Xavier Kramer (half back) Under-13 boys, Amber Armstrong (half back) Under-15 girls, Kiah Atkinson (full back) and Taree Fletcher (from SYC, centre half) Under-18 girls and Charlie Grimwade (half back) U18 boys.
The championships are a fantastic opportunity for junior players from the six GVHA Clubs to play together against other regional associations in short, fast games at great hockey venues in Melbourne, including the State Hockey Centre in Parkville (U13s and U18 girls), and Greensborough (U15s) and Footscray (U18s) Hockey Clubs.
All juniors increased their confidence, skill level and endurance playing five or six short games across the two days, with the Under-13s particularly improving their game play and positioning.
Most teams got into finals, with the U18 girls requiring a sudden-death play off 1-on-1 with the goalie to qualify for the grand final after tying in second place. Kiah scored, but unfortunately the team went down 3:5 to come third overall.
The players thanked all coaches and team managers for a fantastic, fun weekend, and also their parents and supporters for great cheering all weekend.
GVHA games this Saturday, May 21:
10am: U12 Benalla vs SYC
11.15am: U14 Mooroopna-Benalla vs GVGS Gold
12.30pm: B Women Benalla-SYC vs Euroa
Monday, May 23:
6pm: U17 Mooroopna-Benalla vs Strikers/SYC
For more information, check out Benalla Hockey on Facebook, or email benallahockey@gmail.com
On the move: Under-13 player Erin Jenkins flies down the field for Sunraysia, in the preliminary final against North Central. Photos: Lee Manning
Representative: Under-15 player Amber Armstrong.
At full stretch: Lily Stewart gains possession against North Central in the preliminary final.
Happy days: Under-18 players Kiah Atkinson and Taree Fletcher.
Great day out: Under-13s Xavier Kramer, Angus Hayes, Lily Stewart and Erin Jenkins played at the State Hockey Centre in Parkville.
Lightning quick: Under-18 Kiah Atkinson makes a great turnover against South Gippsland in the semi final.
