Strong wins and hard-fought losses as Benalla juniors return

U12 Benalla Black

On a frosty morning at HP Barr Reserve the Benalla Black turned up the heat against College with a brilliant team performance. With Jack Crook and Jackson Quarrell celebrating their birthdays, the team delivered the perfect present – a strong win built on early momentum and a rock-solid defence.

Tyson Brown set the tone early, slotting three quick goals whilst playing a strong hand from the ruck. Tom Lambert played his best game of the season, covering every blade of grass and even nabbing his first goal.

The backline was a wall, with Lincoln Richardson in the right spots all game long and Matthew White delivering long, clearing kicks. Cooper Pilkington was superb, putting together his most complete game yet.

Rhys Kelly shone taking some beautiful marks and was noticed setting up some sensational play, all the while Ollie Ross played like he’s six feet tall, showing elite work from both sides of his body. Quarrell was dynamic up forward, capping off his birthday with two classy goals.

It was a true team effort, and every player played their role with spirit and skill.

Score:

College JFC 3.3 (21)

Benalla Black 11.13 (79)

Goals: Tyson Brown 3, Owen Schirmer, Ollie Ross, Jackson Quarrell 2, Max Yuen-Francis, Tom Lambert.

Best Players: Tom Lambert, Lachie Osborne, Caleb Thwaites, Tyson Brown, Jackson Quarrell, Max Yuen-Francis

U12 Benalla Red

A chilly morning greeted both teams at North Wangaratta for what ended up being a strong four quarter showing for the Benalla Red outfit.

Tory Woodhams started in the ruck and continued his impressive form, as did the Benalla midfield which rotated heavily, with Reynolds, Beriman, Whitechurch, Davies and McKenzie all playing stellar games.

Ron and Ben Staggard were solid in defence and also had stints in the ruck. The forward line was dangerous all day with powerhouses Clancy and Sheehan dominant in the air and on the ground.

Louis Horne was a welcome addition back from injury finishing off with two majors and a memorable celebration. A strong 77-point win should give the Reds plenty of confidence heading into next week.

Score:

Imperials JFC 0-3 (3)

Benalla Red 12-8 (80)

Goal Kickers: Maximus Reynolds, Jack Davies, Teddy Sheehan, Louis Horne, Xavier Beriman 2, Jack McKenzie, Ted Clancy.

Best Players: Teddy Sheehan, Max Reynolds, Xavier Beriman, Jack McKenzie, Jack Davies, Spencer Whitechurch

U14 Benalla Black

Black travelled to Barr Reserve Wangaratta to take on College. Several late changes to the side were made due to illness and unavailability which necessitated significant structure adaptations for Benalla.

Benalla was impressive early, taking the challenge right up to College. The backline, led by Lucas Webster who was laying some bone jarring tackles, was steadfast in its defence, not allowing the College forwards any time or space. The game was tight and tense, and at the first break nothing could separate either team on the scoreboard.

Riely Hilton was a tower of strength across the half forward line, dragging down some impressive pack marks whist covering huge amounts of the ground his impressive work rate.

The midfield of Josh Montgomery, Ben Wells and Ryan White began to work their way into the game, with Josh’s long kicking, Ben’s vision to spot up team mates and Ryan’s hard running breaking open the College midfield. Due to the restructure Jakobi Williams found himself at full forward and impressed with willingness to accept body contact in the marking contest.

Hugh Ross returned to form, whether on ball or resting at half back, his passing on point setting up team mates further afield. Nicholas White and Brayden Jacobs had been busy all day creating turn overs, resulting in quick transition from defence into attack for Black.

As the game wore on the bigger bodies of College began to take a toll on Benalla and the intensity that had been prevalent all day began to drop, allowing College a couple of late goals that broke the game open.

Score:

College JFC 11.15 (81)

Benalla Black 8.4 (52)

Goal Kickers: Ollie Parker, Jakobi Williams, Riley Hilton 2, Josh Bamford, Ryan White.

Best Players: Lucas Webster, Riley Hilton, Josh Montgomery, Hugh Ross, Jakobi Williams, Nicholas White.

U14 Benalla Red

On a cold morning at North Wangaratta Oval, Benalla Red triumphed over the Wang Tigers in a tightly contested match, winning 8.5 (53) to 7.4 (46).

It was a cold start to the game, but the intensity was high right from the first bounce. Benalla showed great determination and composure in the second half, turning a close match into a well-earned victory.

The Tigers were a strong opposition, keeping the game in the balance for most of the day, but Benalla’s persistence in the final quarter made the difference. The win was built on solid team effort, with standout performances from several players.

Oliver Smith was dominant through the midfield, and Benalla’s defensive unit held strong led by Angus Leavold and Noah Cooney. Benalla’s victory came down to a combination of hard tackling, and a resilient final quarter.

The result was a testament to the team's never-give-up attitude and their ability to execute under pressure. Lots to work on moving forward as we now move into the top four.

Score:

Tigers JFC 7.4 (46) def by

Benalla Red 8.5 (53)

Goal Kickers: Tom Mount 3, Jude Binion, Teddy Sheehan 2, Tyson Williams.

Best Players: Oliver Smith, Angus Leavold, Noah Conney, Tom Mount, Jude Binion, Jack Hart.

U17 Benalla

Benalla’s under-17 team was determined to compete with fifth placed Wangaratta College for four quarters at Barr Reserve on Saturday. In an even first quarter, Benalla was able to hold-off a quick starting home side thanks to some great defensive efforts to trail by 12 points.

Some positional changes saw Angus Richardson and Braedon Blackford moved into key defensive roles for the start of the second quarter which added experience and calmness under pressure. Despite having a fair share of possession, Benalla again had trouble converting opportunities to goals.

Playing in the ruck, Hunter Carter continued his good form, supported by Hudson Blyss who was a welcome return to the team after a number of weeks away. Midfielders Lucas Ham and Nate Nicholas were again busy, while co-captain Bryce Cooney filled his pockets with possessions off half back, and the wing.

Half forward Tom Osborne played his best game for the season, creating opportunities up the ground. Running defenders Liam Fielding, Riley McCarthy and Harry Skelton also worked hard over the four quarters.

In a positive sign for the remainder of the season, Benalla outscored the home side in the second half of the game, demonstrating the side’s continued improvement. Kobi Thwaites and big bustling Jack Walker both kicked two goals, while Josh Ward and Nicholas kicked one each. Mason Willett created a match highlight with a great, high-flying mark deep in the goal square.

Score:

College JFC 10-6 (66) def

Benalla 6.6 (42)

Goal Kickers: Kobi Thwaites, Jack Walker 2, Nate Nicholas, Joshua Ward.

Best Players: Lucas Ham, Kobi Thwaites, Bryce Cooney, Nate Nicholas, Hunter Carter, Riley McCarthy.