Netball
A Grade
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Benalla All Blacks 43 def by Greta 55
B Grade
B Grade knew they were in for a tough contest against third-placed Greta and headed into the match determined to enjoy the challenge. Unfortunately, an error-filled opening quarter saw the All Blacks give away too much possession, allowing Greta to establish a 12-goal lead.
Changes to the shooting and defensive ends in the second quarter proved effective, creating better court space and improved ball movement. The All Blacks responded brilliantly, producing their best netball of the day and outscoring Greta by a goal for the quarter.
The momentum was halted when co-captain Keeley Sheehan was forced from the court with concussion. The incident understandably affected the side, and Greta capitalised to pull away and record a 64-33 victory.
Best on court honours went to Tori Hedger, who once again demonstrated why she is such an important member of the team.
Emma Sangster was awarded second best after consistently delivering pinpoint passes into the shooting circle.
Jemma Smith earned third best after battling relentless defensive pressure to score an impressive 24 of the All Blacks' 33 goals.
Score: Benalla All Blacks 33 def by Greta 64.
B Reserve
With a full team on deck, the Benalla All Blacks B Reserve side headed into Saturday’s match ready to show Greta exactly what they were made of.
The opening quarter saw the girls match Greta’s intensity, producing some beautiful passages of play. Their strong leads, repeated efforts and willingness to work for one another were outstanding, with the Panthers staying right in the contest early.
The second and third quarters saw Greta lift to another level, applying relentless pressure to Benalla’s centre passes and attacking end while capitalising on their opportunities.
Benalla’s defensive unit worked tirelessly, slowing Greta down and making them earn every goal, but the home side were able to build a significant lead heading into the final quarter.
To their credit, the Panthers never stopped fighting. Benalla produced an excellent last quarter, showing plenty of grit, determination and team spirit, but Greta’s polished outfit proved too strong, taking the win 61-23.
Score: Benalla All Blacks 23 def by Greta 61
Awards: Tyrepower Award - Greer Mitchell, TerryWhite Chemmart Award - Lilly Robertson, Club Dinner Award - Kodi Mustey
Under 17s
Benalla All Blacks 43 - Greta 41
Under 15s
Benalla All Blacks 70 - Greta 14
Football
Seniors
The young Panthers travelled to Greta on a beautiful sunny afternoon with perfect conditions greeting both sides. Unfortunately, the Panthers were dealt another major setback before the opening bounce, suffering four late withdrawals after team selection, once again testing the club’s depth.
Despite the disruptions, the Panthers attacked the contest with real purpose, moving the ball well and converting early opportunities to establish a handy lead. However, lapses in concentration and a lack of two-way running allowed Greta to work their way back into the contest, erasing the Panthers’ quarter-time advantage.
Greta controlled much of the second and third quarters, capitalising on the Panthers’ mistakes and their superior depth. To the Panthers’ credit, their effort and willingness to compete never wavered, with every player continuing to fight hard despite the mounting scoreboard pressure.
The final quarter challenge from the coach was simple - tackle with intent, take the game on, gain territory and run the game right out. The young Panthers embraced that challenge, matching Greta’s intensity for the entire final term. Both sides battled fiercely until the final siren, with Greta narrowly claiming the last quarter four goals to three.
While the final margin was once again disappointing, the Panthers can take pride in another four-quarter effort where commitment and competitiveness were evident throughout. The group’s biggest hurdles continue to be fitness and a lack of available depth, but their determination to improve each week remains unquestioned.
Jake Dempster produced another outstanding four-quarter performance, while Jaxon and Jesse Liddington displayed tremendous resilience with their strong running and relentless tackling pressure.
Spencer Hunter looked dangerous both across the wing and inside the forward line, while Sam Cox and David Button played with enormous heart and commitment from the opening bounce until the final siren.
Score: Benalla All Blacks 8.4 (52) def by Greta 19.19 (133)
Awards: Royal Hotel - Jake Dempster, Tyrepower - Jaxon Brunner, Benalla Race Club - Sam Cox
Reserves Football
Score: Benalla All Blacks 0.0 (0) def by Greta 32.14 (206)