A-grade
A-grade was eager and hungry for the win against Milawa this time around after losing by 14 goals last time.
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We wanted to come out with high intensity for that first quarter and the girls did just that.
Everyone worked tirelessly to keep up that intensity and pressure each quarter.
We knew we had to convert on our centre passes and the rest would be a bonus.
Marni Thorne was a huge asset returning from injury to shut down Milawa’s goalers, earning best-on for the day.
Also killing it in the goal ring with accurate shooting and rotating well was Alara Jones, while Gertie McCallum worked hard in wing attack feeding the goalers and with her defensive pressure in the centre third proving a big advantage.
It felt amazing to finally secure a win over Milawa and the girls earned it! Now to continue the intensity coming into the last three games and into finals.
Score: Milawa 42 lost to All Blacks 48
Awards: Marni Thorne — Ray White award; Alara Jones — AMCAL voucher; Gertie McCallum — Allure Luxe voucher.
B-grade
The girls knew the game was going to be tough against Milawa and wanted to put their best foot forward, but unfortunately it wasn't our day.
Benalla had too many unforced errors and Milawa was able to continue taking a strong lead.
Kellie Holmes was a vital part in the team’s attempt to stay within reach, again strong in centre all game.
Brooke Bradshaw was on fire in goals to also earn a place in the best. Grace O’Connor also had a great game in defence with a tough job against Milawa’s strong attackers, however she provided numerous opportunities for the attackers to convert.
While our performance was disappointing at times, we were proud to have closed the gap from last time.
Score: Milawa 65 d All Blacks 40
Awards: Kellie Holmes — Royal Hotel meal voucher; Brooke Bradahaw — Rustik Cafe voucher; Grace O'Connor — McDonald's voucher.
B-reserve
Milawa is always a tough opponent every season. Having only played the side a few weeks ago and coming away with a loss, the girls knew it would be a big game.
The game was very defence-heavy with a vast majority of the ball in Milawa’s attacking end.
Keeley Sheehan and Chloe Dods worked overdrive all game, coming away with multiple intercepts, however Milawa’s accuracy from anywhere in the goal ring made it incredibly difficult to stop their score from increasing.
Jess Stocker played a great game with continued effort through the mid court, continuously using her voice (as always) and maintaining strong leads to get it down to our attackers.
Courtney Sammon also earned a spot in the best this week for her continued movement in the goal ring and 100 per cent effort all game to work hard and do her best.
Grace Pastuszka, Tayla Bate and Erin Crook all played their part and did their best to try and turn over the score.
Overall, it was a tough game and Milawa’s class outplayed the girls this week. All Blacks turn their thoughts to next week’s must-win game against Bright.
Score: Milawa 48 d All Blacks 28
Awards: Jessica Stocker — Benalla Toyota/Delatite Ford award; Chloe Dods — Benalla Gold Cup entry; Courtney Sammon — Hollywood's voucher.
Under-17s
It was an extremely hard game against Milawa, with the team all being sick and having to have four players come up from 15s to help.
Remi, who ran tirelessly all game, was best-on, while Haylea Smith, who worked hard in defence, was also named in the best.
Remi and Haylea worked well to bring the ball from defence into attack.
Jessica Holland played a great game in goals despite being sick. She took on feedback from the sidelines and was able to convert goals for her team.
While the girls couldn't get the win, it was great to see Becky Holland step up from 15s and play a solid three quarters in wing defence for the team.
Other 15s including Heidi O’Hallaran, Eliza Sammon and Georgia Levy also did a great job stepping up.
The girls will hopefully feel a little refreshed coming into the next round.
Score: Milawa 55 d All Blacks 12
Awards: Remi Nicholas — Spot 4 Icecream; Haylea Smith — McDonald's voucher, Jessica Holland — All Blacks canteen voucher.
Under-15s
The girls came out wanting to secure their position in finals and that's exactly what they did.
Yet again, the dynamic duo of Grace Cooke and Eliza Sammon stood up all game in defence, making the Milawa shooters fight for every ball. Molly Mathieson worked hard all game, forcing multiple turnovers.
Georgia Levy and Imogen Randell worked tirelessly bringing the ball to circle edge and feeding into the shooters with precision.
Heidi O'Halloran and Maddy Fraumano moved well together, making space and shooting with accuracy.
Score: Milawa 21 lost to All Blacks 23
Awards: Eliza Sammon — Mel Goodwin Tupperware; Imogen Randell — McDonald's voucher; Grace Cooke — All Blacks canteen voucher.
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