Round four was a special occasion for the Benalla and District Junior Football Club, as we hosted both the Imperials JFC and the Kangaroos JFC in a packed fixture that brought all teams together in one precinct.
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For the first time since the completion of our clubrooms, the U12s had the privilege of playing on the Arundel Street Oval, the first time the oval had been used in a Wangaratta and District Junior Football game.
The Arundel Street Oval will be in use again very shortly for the Annabelle Cleeland Gather Round on May 25, which will see over 300 kids from the district playing footy at the Showgrounds precinct on the one day.
Meanwhile, the U14s and U17s ran out on the wide expanses of the Benalla Showgrounds, making full use of the great facilities and drawing a strong crowd.
The atmosphere was electric with every game on home turf, providing the perfect stage for some standout individual and team performances across all age groups. It was a day full of energy, effort, and pride.
U12 Benalla Black
Benalla Black Under-12s recorded a solid win over Imperials in a fast-paced contest at the freshly manicured Arundel Street Oval. After steadily warming up in the first quarter, Benalla took strong control in the second, showcasing clean ball use and smart decision-making.
Lincoln Richardson led from the back, bringing strength and cool headedness in defence alongside the firm presence of Jackson Quarrell. Bailey King stormed through the right wing with sharp hands and composure under pressure.
Blake Piggott, Ben and Toby Fitzgerald gave it everything, with Piggott crashing into contests and inspiring his teammates with his effort. Tom Lambert ran hard through the centre with the ball in hand supporting the as always silky smooth Jimmy Jackson.
Owen Schirmer worked magic up front bagging two goals and linking up well with the midfield. Both teams played with great spirit and showcased impressive junior footy.
Score: Benalla Black U12 11.8 (74) def Imperials JFC U12s 0.0 (0)
Goal Kickers: Jimmy Jackson 3, Tyson Brown 2, Owen Schirmer 2, Linc Richardson, Lachy Osborne, Cooper Pilkington, Blake Piggott.
Best Players: Jimmy Jackson, Jackson Quarrell, Owen Schirmer, Toby Fitzgerald, Linc Richardson, Bailey King.
U12 Benalla Red
Perfect conditions greeted the players at the newly prepared Arundel Street Ovals as the Benalla Reds looked to return to the winners list in an important home and away match up against the Kangaroos.
The game was seemingly won in the first half with the ball locked inside the Benalla half for the majority of time.
The strong midfield squad of Roscoe, Berminan, Davies and Reynolds driving the ball forward, feeding the talented forward line led by powerhouse Teddy Sheehan and the electric forward Hudson Pickering.
Playing both small and tall, first year player Harley Kupke also continued his stellar run of form creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Taking a 45-point lead into the half-time break a spirited Kangaroos side threw everything they could at the Reds slowing down the scoreboard and creating a great contest.
Louise Horne kept the scoreboard ticking over along with developing big man Angus Roscoe who converted after taking a strong mark deep in the forward 50.
A special mention to Eli Fielding whose pressure acts and one per cent plays were a feature throughout the day.
Score: Benalla Red U12 9.9 (63) def Kangaroos JFC U12s 3.3 (21)
Goal Kickers: Jack Davies 3, Ted Sheehan 2, Louis Horne, Max Reynolds, Hudson Pickering, Angus Roscoe.
Best Players: Jack Davies, Xavier Beriman, Ted Sheehan, Max Reynolds, Harley Kupke, Eli Fielding. A special mention to Angus Roscoe for his excellent performance.
U14 Benalla Black
Black was looking for an improved performance this week, taking on Imperials.
From the first bounce it was clear that Black was switched on and ready to play with Josh Montgomery leaping high, giving the mid field first use with clever ruck work.
Ryan White led from the front, inspiring his teammates with his high work rate covering the showgrounds wide open spaces and delivering the ball deep into attack for Black.
Noah Norman returned to form, his fierce attack on the ball was there for all to see brushing opponents aside.
Ollie Parker was dangerous in front of goal all day resulting in a bag of seven goals for the small forward. Ollie Wardill was also a focal point up forward with strong hands pulling down numerous telling marks whilst creating further scoreboard pressure adding 3 majors for the day.
In his second game of the season Jordan Streader worked hard on his wing shutting down his opponent whist having a hand in many attacking moves. Ben Wells continued on with his recent good form setting up teammates with pinpoint passing by foot.
Score: Benalla Black U14 19.13 (127) def Imperials JFC U14 4.6 (30)
Goal Kickers: Ollie Parker 7, Ryan White 3, Ollie Wardill 3, Josh Montgomery 2, Jakobi Williams, Hugh Ross, Noah Norman, Lucas Webster.
Best Players: Ryan White, Josh Montgomery, Noah Norman, Oliver Wardill, Ollie Parker, Jordan Streader.
U14 Benalla Red
Despite falling short on the scoreboard, Benalla U14s Red had several strong individual efforts that kept them competitive throughout the match.
Jack Pollard took on a new role in defence and stepped up impressively, providing structure and stability in the backline. His ability to read the play and apply defensive pressure helped limit Kangaroos' attacking opportunities.
Jack Hart was instrumental in the midfield, consistently winning the ball around the ground. His presence at stoppages ensured Benalla had plenty of forward momentum, creating opportunities for teammates and maintaining drive throughout the match.
Benalla saw strong contributions from Noah Cooney, Xavier De Fazio, Cash Nolen, and Jude Binion, who each made an impact in different areas of the ground. Their efforts helped the team stay competitive, particularly in key moments of the game.
Tom Mount led the scoring charge with an impressive 4 goals, showing great positioning and finishing ability to keep Benalla within reach.
Benalla U14s Red battled hard across all four quarters, showing resilience and determination against a well-organised Kangaroos outfit. Despite the final scoreline, the team impressed with their midfield effort, defensive adjustments, and attacking creativity—highlighting clear areas of growth and potential.
With standout performances from key players, Benalla can take plenty of positives from the match as they continue to develop and build momentum for the season ahead.
Score: Benalla Red U14 8.10 (58) def by Kangaroos JFC U14 12.10 (82)
Goal Kickers: Thomas Mount 4, Jude Binion, Jack Hart, Harry Bast
Best Players: Jack Hart, Jack Pollard, Noah Cooney, Xavier De Fazio, Cash Nolen, Jude Binion.
U17 Benalla
The challenge was always going to be significant for Benalla's U17s as they faced the ladder leaders, Wangaratta Imperials.
The team welcomed back co-captain Bryce Cooney, along with Angus Richardson, Oscar Beaton, and Nate Nicholas. Benalla had a strong start and dominated possession early in the first quarter.
Despite trailing by 14 points at quarter time, the home side was getting good contributions from its defence, with Hunter Carter, Braedon Blackford, Nate Nicholas, Riley McCarthy, Harry Skelton, and Jackson Fry all competing fiercely.
After a reset at quarter time, the midfield, led by co-captain Lucas Ham, tightened up at the stoppages. Oscar Beaton worked well with young ruckman Hudson Blyss to maintain pressure.
Nate Nicholas moved into the midfield in the second half and made a solid impact, with his tackling being a standout feature of the game. Kobi Thwaites proved to be a threat in front of goal, finishing the match with three goals and delivering his best performance of the season.
Braedon Blackford was impressive throughout all four quarters, as were Nicholas, Beaton, Thwaites, Carter, and the consistent Lucas Ham.
Although the Imperials extended their lead at each break, Benalla remained competitive and increased their effort as the match progressed.
Score: Benalla U17 5.0 (30) def by Imperials JFC U17 15.15 (105)
Goal Kickers: Kobi Thwaites 3, Hunter Carter, Lachlan Randell.
Best Players: Braedon Blackford, Nate Nicholas, Oscar Beaton, Kobi Thwaites, Hunter Carter, Lucas Ham
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