Mixed bag for Benalla juniors in round 12

The first half was a tight, low-scoring contest, but the second half saw Benalla turn it on with 11 goals and some free-flowing footy. Jackson Quarrell was electric, starting in defence before pushing forward, racking up bounces, taking strong marks, and booting three goals in a standout performance.

Tom “Lamborghini” Lambert showed his trademark dash and was impossible to catch. Lincoln Richardson played a smart, all-round game, proving steady in defence and creative in attack, kicking two goals.

Bentley Parker, usually dependable down back, was moved forward and nailed his first goal for the season. Ollie Ross showcased sensational ground skills and handy use of both feet.

Caleb Thwaites was tough around the contest and hit the scoreboard. Jimmy Jackson used his footy smarts to kick three goals and create scoring opportunities. Lachlan Osborne put in a tireless effort, attacking every contest and linking play, while Blake Piggott was a powerhouse in the middle, moving hard at the ball all day.

A strong team win for Benalla Black who are eyeing off the top spot on the ladder.

Score:

Benalla Black 15.11 (101) def

Tigers 3.3 (21)

Goal Kickers: Jackson Quarrell, Jimmy Jackson 3, Linc Richardson 2, Bentley Parker, Max Yuen-Francis, Bill Bourke, Caleb Thwaites, Tom Lambert, Hudson Butler, Bailey King.

Best Players: Jackson Quarrell, Caleb Thwaites, Lachlan Osborne, Jimmy Jackson, Tom Lambert, Ollie Ross.

U12 Benalla Red

A highly anticipated match up between fourth placed Red and fifth placed Centrals took place at the Arundel Street precinct on Sunday afternoon with the match living up to expectations.

The early signs were not good for Benalla, which was being beaten to the ball by the quicker and stronger Centrals midfield, although wayward kicking and missed opportunities kept the game respectable on the scoreboard.

The next two quarters saw the Reds midfield claw back field position and dominance with McKenzie, Smith and Davies all getting their hands on the ball. Tory Woodhams did the bulk of the ruck work with stand in captain Teddy Sheehan also competing hard around the ground.

In a see-sawing battle, a transition goal to Logan Mihan looked like it was going to be enough to get the job done, however, Centrals proved too good in the last, locking the ball in their forward line and running away with a seven-point victory.

Special mention goes to running machine Spencer Whitechurch who played a fantastic four-quarter game, along with Ben and Ron Staggard who refused to be beaten in the contest saving multiple goals throughout the day.

Final score:

Benalla Red 4.3 (27) def by

Centrals 4.10 (34)

Goal Kickers: Maximus Reynolds, Jonathan Goodwin, Jack Davies, Logan Mihan.

Best Players: Spencer Whitechurch, Teddy Sheehan, Jack McKenzie, Toby Smith, Ron Staggard, Ben Staggard.

U14 Benalla Black

Black welcomed the Tigers to the showgrounds in what loomed as a danger game for Benalla.

Charle Bell set the tone early, with his ferocious attack at the ball from half back. He along with Noah Norman were miserly in defence, not allowing the tigers forwards time or space to deliver the ball with any efficiency.

Hugh Ross’ vision to hit teammates in better position was on show, at times threading the eye of a needle with pinpoint foot passing. Ryan White and Ben Wells ran hard all day through the midfield as the game began to crack open for Black, at times transitioning the ball with impressive speed and accuracy, putting enormous pressure on the Tiger defence.

Josh Montgomery again had an impressive game, his penetrating kicking breaking the lines for Black. Lucas Webster played in multiple positions for the game his never say die attitude helping Benalla to gain ascendancy.

Lachie Osborne had the ball on a string during the third quarter making the wing his own. Caleb Thwaites and Jackson Quarrell also impressed with great tackling and ability to win their own ball. The highlight of the day was Zac Norman kicking his first goal at junior level with players all over the ground running to join in the celebration.

Score:

Benalla Black 12.10 (82) def

Tigers 2.3 (15)

Goal Kickers: Ollie Parker, Ollie Wardill 3, Josh Montgomery 2, Zach Norman, Ryan White, Chaleb Thwaites, Ben Well.

Best Players: Josh Montgomery, Hugh Ross, Ryan White, Ben Wells, Charlie Bell, Lucas Webster.

U14 Benalla Red

Benalla Red continued its strong form with a dominant performance over Bright at the Benalla Showgrounds. With both sides short on numbers, it was a great display of sportsmanship as Benalla Red sent a player each quarter to help support the Bright team – a true testament to the spirit of junior football.

Charlie Bowen set the tone early with a blistering start down forward, providing clean delivery to our leading targets and creating multiple scoring opportunities. His attack on the ball and smart decision-making were a highlight of the day. This was far from a one-man show, however.

The win was built on a true team-first mentality, with every player sticking to their role and contributing across the ground. From the backline's discipline to the midfield’s relentless pressure and the forward line’s accurate finishing, it was a complete four-quarter performance.

As the season progresses, it's encouraging to see the growth and cohesion in the group. This weekend we turn our attention to our cross-town mates from Benalla Black in what promises to be an exciting local clash.

Score:

Benalla Red 22.13 (146) def

Bright 0.2 (2)

Goal Kickers: Jude Binion 4, Harry Bast 3, Jack Hart, Tom Mount, Angus Leavold, Noah Cooney, Charlie Pollard, Ollie Smith 2, Cash Nolen, Charlie Bowen, Jack Pollard.

Best Players: Charlie Bowen, Tom Snell, Jack Hart, Xavier De Fazio, Sam Mount, Tom Mount.

U17 Benalla

Benalla couldn’t sustain a four-quarter effort in its round 12 match against Myrtleford on Sunday at McNamara Reserve. After a strong start which saw Benalla lead at both quarter time and half time, the home side kicked four goals to one to notch its second win against Benalla this season.

The result is disappointing for the Benalla side which had shown strong improvement in recent weeks. Unfortunately, on Sunday the workload was left to too few with four-quarter contributors hard to find.

Key defender Angus Richardson continued his good form with another best-on-ground performance. Richardson, Mason Willett, Bryce Cooney, Tom Osborne, Riley McCarthy, Jackson Fry, and Harry Skelton worked well together to keep the home side goalless in the first half.

Ruckman Braedon Blackford worked hard, winning his fair share of stoppage contests. Onballers Nate Nicholas, Hunter Carter, and Lucas Ham went head-to-head with their opposition in a great contest.

Kobi Thwaites finished the game with two goals, before moving up the field in the final quarter. Mason Willett played his best game of the season in defence, while Noah Hogan started the match strongly on the wing before leaving the field injured.

Score:

Myrtleford 4.10 (34) def

Benalla 2.9 (21)

Goal Kickers: Kobi Thwaites 2.

Best Players: Angus Richardson, Nate Nicholas, Bryce Cooney, Hunter Carter, Kobi Thwaites, Noah Hogan.

BDJF Family Fun Day

This Sunday, July 20, the Benalla and District Junior Football Club Family Fun Day is set to take over Benalla Showgrounds.

With two huge intra-club clashes between under-12 Red and Black as well as under-14 Red and Black, plus the under-17s taking on Mansfield, it is set to be a bumper day of football.

There will be plenty of fun, too, with Superkick taking place pre-game, and plenty of fun-filled competitions, a bake sale, and lots of amazing raffle prizes from 9:15am.

Sponsored by Ray White Benalla, Complete Forklift Services, JCS Thoroughbreds and Myrtleford Holiday Park, it is sure to be a day to remember.