Wins don’t come much bigger than the All Blacks seniors’ triumph over Moyhu; the Panthers producing a mammoth 34.18 (222) to 5.4 (34) win at Friendlies Oval.
The home side was devastating from start to finish, bringing early heat to overwhelm a hapless Moyhu side.
It was a Wapling master-class throughout the game, with one of Rory or Brayden doing the dirty work to win a hard ball or take an intercept mark when required.
Midfield maestro Jackson Hourigan broke the game wide open, while the returning Riley Moran had fans on their feet with his elite ball use.
The Panthers were clinical in the third quarter piling on 11 goals, which was followed by a 13-goal third term, which saw the score balloon to more than 200 points.
It was an equally dominant performance from Goorambat’s seniors, who kick-started their 2022 campaign with a resounding 20.20 (140) to 6.6 (42) win over North Wangaratta.
A number of new faces look set for an exciting year at the Bat Cave, with Marcus O’Brien and Blake Uerbergang enjoying solid debuts.
Sam Gladstone was at his usual-best across half-back, while Toby Feehan was clinical up forward to snag six goals.
In reserves action, the All Blacks are off to a flyer after defeating Moyhu by 159 points.
A well-rounded team performance got the job done on Saturday, as the home side steadily grew into the game after a low-scoring first term.
Ayden Amos and Brendon Smith gave their forwards plenty to work with, while a solid backline of Jordan Smith and Josh Hyland helped limit the visitors to just one goal.
Benalla’s A-grade netballers collected their first points of the season with a 52-22 win over Moyhu, with Alara Jones and Georgia Spencer finding the goals for their side.
The off-season efforts of Gertie McCallum and Kellie Holmes looked to have worked wonders, with both making smooth transitions from B-grade.
The Bats’ A-grade netball squad also enjoyed its season-opener, getting up 54-34 over North Wangaratta.
Shooters Chelsea Beavis and Kylie Relf combined well, before Chelsea left the court with an injury which gifted Jacinta Beavis her A-grade debut.
Ella Sheehan made it difficult for Wangaratta in the back-half, while mid-courters Amelia Gall, Alexandra Davis and Sarah Osborne worked tirelessly to ensure the Bats came away with an impressive 20-goal win.
Both B-reserve netball side’s also collected hard-fought wins.
- In junior action, Benalla Bulldogs got their 2022 campaign under way in under-12, 14 and 17 divisions of the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League.
The Doggies under-12s and 14s went down despite brave performances in their respective season openers.
The under-17s secured what was a memorable opening victory over Wangaratta Imperials, claiming victory on a warm Saturday afternoon at North Wangaratta Oval.
Shaalv Deo worked hard through the middle to keep the Dogs in the hunt after a bright start for the Imperials, before the squad rallied in the second quarter to get the game back on their terms.
Rory Sammon was solid at centre half-back, while Jaidyn Chee and Montell MacFarlane got the job done up forward with three goals apiece to see the Dogs over the line.
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