Heartbreaking loss denies Benalla juniors perfect weekend

Centrals came out with early heat and gave Benalla a genuine challenge, but the Black stuck to the task. After a tight first half, Benalla really took things into its own hands, piling on nine goals in the second half to break the game wide open.

Jimmy Jackson was on fire with five goals, while dynamo Ollie Ross was everywhere, at one point racking up four or five possessions in the space of as many seconds. The whole team contributed - Jackson Quarrell was outstanding in defence and despite it being only his second game, Jett Turner is certainly finding his groove. Hudson Butler gave his usual all, covering the ground with strength and a booming left foot.

Lachie Osborne and Caleb Thwaites kept up the midfield pressure, Bill Bourke was reliable as ever, and Lincoln Richardson impressed with his smart reading of play.

A terrific team win, and a great test against a Centrals side who have come a long way.

Score:

Centrals 2.5 (17) def by

Benalla Black 10.7 (67)

Goal kickers: Jimmy Jackson 5, Owen Schirmer 3, Ollie Ross, Bailey King

Best players: Jimmy Jackson, Ollie Ross, Jackson Quarrell, Lachie Osborne, Caleb Thwaites, Bill Bourke.

U12 Benalla Red

The weekend’s match saw the improving Benalla Red outfit take on Wangaratta College at the Benalla Showgrounds on Sunday morning. The first quarter was an arm wrestle with the Benalla mid-forward connection slightly off, missing multiple opportunities.

Benalla’s strong midfield kicked into gear in the second term with Roscoe providing silver service to midfield dynamos Beriman, Davies, Smith and McKenzie, creating multiple scoring opportunities.

The second half was much the same with Woodhams and Gall providing ample back up in the ruck position and allowing Roscoe to move forward, taking some telling marks and hitting the scoreboard.

Benalla’s multi pronged forward line was electric after quarter time with nine separate goal scorers, Max Reynolds’ dynamite left boot working overtime with five majors for the match.

Benalla consolidated fourth position with a resounding 90-point victory.

Score:

Benalla Red 14.14 (98) def

College 1.2 (8)

Goal kickers: Max Reynolds 5, Teddy Sheehan 2, Hudson Pickering, Spencer Whitechurch, Toby Smith, Angus Roscoe, Harley Kupke, Manny Bourke, Louis Horne.

Best Players: Max Reynolds, Teddy Sheehan, Xavier Beriman, Toby Smith, Eli Fielding, Harley Kupke.

U14 Benalla Black

Black had their backs to the wall before the opening bounce, with only 14 regular players available for the game.

Under-12 players Max Yuen-Francis, Caleb Thwaites, Lachy Osborne, Jimmy Jackson and Jackson Quarrell stepped up to help us field a side. All players should be commended on the way they played, giving their all after already playing a game, showing grit and determination.

Black got off to a flying start, with Ollie Parker prominent early kicking the first three goals of the game, he along with Jordan Streader keeping Centrals defence busy.

Black’s midfield was on top, Josh Montgomery leaping high in the ruck giving first use to Ben Wells and Hugh Ross who were able to hit targets further afield with precision passing. The forwards worked hard all day, with strong pressure to keep the ball in Black’s forward fifty a feature.

Charlie Bell was attacking the ball with ferocity along with Ollie Wardill, who was playing his role down back to perfection, helping Black to keep the relentless pressure on the opposition.

The back six worked well together all game, winning the disputed ball back for Black with determination and skill. Ryan White worked tirelessly all day and was beginning to get under Centrals’ skin, repeatedly driving the ball from the midfield deep into Black’s forward line, whilst able to hit the score board himself with some hard running.

In what was an outstanding team performance, Black continued to stick to the game plan and ran out comfortable winners.

Score:

Centrals 0.0 (0) def by

Benalla Black 19.18 (132)

Goal kickers: Ollie Parker 5, Ryan White, Ollie Wardle 3, Josh Montgomery, Jakobi Williams 2, Ben Wells, Lucas Webster, Jimmy Jackson, Jackson Quarrell.

Best players: Hugh Ross, Ben Wells, Ryan White, Josh Montgomery, Ollie Parker, Jordan Streader.

U14 Benalla Red

Benalla Red took on the top-of-the-table College side at the Benalla Showgrounds over the weekend and came away with a hard-fought 9.11 (65) to 5.6 (36) victory. It was a game built on grit, pressure, and every player playing their role - and the team delivered.

Full back Angus Leavold set the tone, holding firm in defence and shutting down one of College’s most dangerous forwards. His discipline and composure were vital in repelling repeated attacks and keeping Benalla in control. Jack Hart was outstanding through the midfield, providing relentless drive and linking defence with attack. His work around the contest and clean disposal gave Benalla first use and consistent forward momentum.

Benalla’s team-first mindset was evident across the ground, with players putting their bodies on the line and supporting each other at every contest. The forward line worked selflessly to create opportunities, while the defensive unit held strong under pressure.

Moment of the Day was an after the siren goal to end the day by our livewire forward Georgia Trenthowan and a great way to top off a brilliant day at the showgrounds.

The win is a huge confidence booster and shows that Benalla Red can match it with the competition’s best. With this performance, they’ve proven that belief, structure and effort can topple even the toughest opponents. A brilliant team performance.

Score:

Benalla Red 9.11 (65) def

College 5.6 (36)

Goal kickers: Charlie Pollard 3, Jack Hart 2, Tom Mount, Jude Binion, Cash Nolen, Georgia Trethowan.

Best players: Jack Hart, Angus Leavold, Xavier De Fazio, Tom Mount, Noah Cooney, Jude Binion.

U17 Benalla

After a month of consistent performances and improvement, Benalla’s Under 17s team missed a golden opportunity on Sunday against Centrals to win their second match of the year.

Despite missing a number of players due to unavailability and injury, Benalla were right in the game until the final minutes of the last quarter, eventually going down by seven points.

Leading by a single point at half time, Centrals took control of the match in third quarter, kicking four goals to one to establish what would be a match-winning lead. Benalla rallied in the final quarter kicking three goals but fell short. Unfortunately, Benalla’s performance lacked intensity and effort over four quarters, with the load left to too few.

Best players for Benalla were Angus Richardson, who continues to develop strongly into a key defender, on-ballers Hunter Carter, Noah Hogan, and forwards Kobi Thwaites and Josh Byers who both kicked three goals. Co-captain Bryce Cooney played another good game rebounding off half back.

Score:

Benalla 6.9 (45) def by

Centrals 7.10 (52)

Goal kickers: Kobi Thwaites, Josh Byers 3.

Best players: Angus Richardson, Noah Hogan, Hunter Carter, Kobi Thwaites, Josh Byers, Bryce Cooney.