One-goal heartbreak served to Panthers

Jun 28, 2021

Seniors

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Benalla All Blacks 13.7 (85) def by Bonnie Doon 14.7 (91)

Against Bonnie Doon at home, the visitors got off to a strong start, scoring the first three goals of the game unanswered. Unfortunately we also lost two key players in first quarter - Kaare Glass was stretchered off, and Jack Ellis injured his knee again.

Our team worked hard to get ourselves back into the game, led by a best on ground performance from Lochie Morrison in the midfield. We came out of the main break down by 19 points.

In the third quarter, despite the efforts of Joel Bate and Chelton Orchard in the midfield, Bonnie Doon kicked away further, pushing their lead out to 31 at three-quarter time.

In the last quarter All Blacks made some changes, clearing out the forward line to give Chris O’Connor space to work into. But it was the move to put Regan Williams into the ruck that flipped the game on its head. Regan’s efforts sparked new life into the team where we kicked the last six goals of the game! Unfortunately we left our run a little late and still came up just short, going down by a goal.

Next week we have another important game for our finals campaign taking on Tarrawingee.

Total Tools gift card: Lochie Morrison.

Royal Hotel: Regan Williams.

Brad & Mel's Snack Bar: Joel Bate.

Warehouse Cuts: Chelton Orchard.

Reserves

Benalla All Blacks 12.13 (85) def Bonnie Doon 4.5 (29)

A terrific team game set up an emphatic win over rivals Bonnie Doon to push the All Blacks reserves side into the top six after round 13.

It was a true all-round performance which produced no less than seven individual goal scorers with everyone doing their part along every line. The marking prowess of Alby Hill up forward, whose tackling pressure was sublime, was a key factor. He was aided by the agile and aerobic Reuben James, who was a handful both in the air and at ground level.

A fierce midfield battle proved to be pivotal in the outcome of this game and it was in this battle that the captain stood tall. Rucking all day, and with an incredible work rate around the ground, Ryan Nedeljkovic was inspirational for the home side, intercepting opposition kicks as well as fighting hard at ground level. Jacob Donlon provided the class and speed through the midfield needed to put an edge on the game with terrific run and carry and decisive ball use, moving the ball forward with purpose.

However, such a win isn’t possible without the hard work of the backline. Rarely beaten all day, Jordy Smith held down the full back position, reading the ball to perfection, intercepting many opposition attacking plays. The rebound of Jack Ardle was also telling all game, with a massive work rate covering the ground and providing an outlet for the backline.

We look forward to a big week on the training track this week as we gear up for a massive game away against Tarrawingee next week, and a chance to cement our position in the top six.

Dosser Panels: Alby Hill.

Royal Hotel: Jack Ardle.

Billy's Barbershop haircut: Jordan Smith.

Brad & Mel's Snack Bar: Jacob Donlon.