Get it on the boot: Justin Gervasoni spears it forward.
Seniors
On Saturday the All Blacks travelled to Tarrawingee to take on one of their main rivals of the last few years.
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Benalla’s ball movement was once again excellent, it moved the ball across the ground at will, which gave its forwards every opportunity to score.
The Panthers welcomed back Harry Moran after a couple of weeks on the sidelines, kicking seven goals in his return.
The side went into quarter-time up by 41 points.
In the second quarter the visitors continued to win the contested footy, and the midfield group really put it on the opposition. Al Jacka had a stellar game with five goals out of the middle and set up multiple for his teammates.
At half-time Lachy Thompson had already kicked 10 goals and went in with an 88-point lead.
In the third quarter two Panthers’ young guns Rory Wapling and Chelton Orchard stood up winning the contested footy. Jake Jones made his return from injury and didn’t miss a beat.
His ruck work was fantastic and he hit it perfectly to Riley Moran on the run multiple times.
Going into the last quarter, star forward Thompson had booted 14 goals and was just three goals shy of 100 for the year. It was fair to say the game plan for the last quarter was get Thompson the ball.
It didn’t take long for him to hit the score board in the fourth, kicking two quick ones which had supporters move down to the scoring end ready to run on to the field.
The All Blacks’ forward pressure forced a turnover in the pocket and they got the ball into Thompson’s hands where he took care of the rest, booting his 100th to mark a special moment for him and the team.
He managed to finish the day with a massive 19 goals. The visitors saw the game out with a season high lead of 220 points. Next weekend the All Blacks take on Goorambat for the Sock it to Cancer Cup.
Reserves
On Saturday the reserves took on Tarrawingee. The All Blacks were undermanned and knew this was going to make this game tough, and it did.
From the first bounce they were second to the footy and just getting beaten all around the ground.
Coming in at quarter-time it was emphasised that the side needed to create contests rather than focus on winning the ball.
They started to get some momentum, led by Harry Parsons playing an important role in the midfield, his composure and skill to get the ball going forward was just what the All Blacks needed.
Half-time had them trailing by 26 points, but the biggest lead of the game got out to 33 points. A few changes to the board were made and the All Blacks were right up for the fight in the second half.
James Webster and Josh Kotvas were outstanding in their roles as defenders, creating movement and linking up well from defence.
The visitors edged closer and closer on the scoreboard, trailing by only five points at the last break, they over ran Tarrawingee in the last quarter to come home eight-point winners in what was a real show of heart and belief in the group.
Every player on that ground played their role, which eventually lead to a great victory.
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