Tough outing for All Blacks against Bright

Benalla started strongly and held the lead at the first break, giving the side the confidence boost they needed. However, Bright responded hard in the second quarter, and as the rain set in, Benalla struggled to maintain the composure and momentum.

Despite plenty of effort throughout the game, Bright capitalised on their opportunities, with Benalla eventually going down 31-51.

Chelsea Gilcrist was once again a standout in defence, using her strength, positioning and determination to consistently challenge Bright's attacking line.

Bronti Mustey also impressed in the defensive end while working tirelessly through the midcourt. Her ability to transition the ball and create attacking opportunities was a highlight throughout the game.

Returning from injury, Alara Jones had a solid game at goal shooter, creating plenty of opportunities in the goal circle and working well with her fellow goalers to keep Benalla in the contest.

Score: Benalla 31 def by Bright 51

Best: Chelsea Gilcrist, Bronti Mustey, Alara Jones

B Grade

B grade faced a tough challenge this week against Bright, taking to the court with several changes due to injury. The side welcomed a number of junior players who stepped up admirably, along with a new addition to the team. With players settling into positions, the girls knew it would take a strong team effort to remain competitive.

Despite the disruptions, the All Blacks fought hard from the opening whistle. The defensive end worked tirelessly to create multiple turnovers, applying constant pressure and giving the team plenty of opportunities. At the other end of the court, the new-look shooting combination showed great promise, moving the ball beautifully and working hard to create scoring chances. Unfortunately, Bright proved too strong on the day, running out 54-21 winners.

Best on court was awarded to Tori Hedger, who stepped onto the court knowing her teammates for only a few days. Tori worked tirelessly throughout the match, collecting several intercepts and playing a key role in transitioning the ball down the court. The club is excited to welcome her to the team and looks forward to seeing what she can achieve.

Second best went to Tiahna Neal, who continues her transition back into the shooting circle after spending much of the season in WD. Tiahna showed her determination and willingness to put in the hard work, proving she is more than capable of securing her place in the goal circle.

Third best was awarded to Courtney Naughton, who worked relentlessly all game and has well and truly cemented her position at WD. Her effort, consistency and work rate were once again on display for all to see.

Score: Benalla 21 def by Bright 54

Best: Tori Hedger, Tiahna Neal, Courtney Naughton

B Reserve

Saturday was a tough contest for the Benalla All Blacks B Reserve ladies as they took on ladder leaders Bright. A consistently strong side, Bright showed exactly why they sit on top of the competition.

The opening quarter was a promising one for the All Blacks, with the girls moving the ball well, maintaining possession through their centre passes and matching Bright’s intensity early. However, as the game progressed, Bright’s experience and strength across the court began to show, allowing them to build their lead each quarter.

The All Blacks defence worked tirelessly against a highly accurate attacking end. Their strong one-on-one defensive pressure demonstrated plenty of grit and determination, forcing several missed shots and making Bright earn every goal. Unfortunately, Bright’s defensive unit was equally impressive, relentlessly hunting the ball and creating turnovers throughout the match.

Despite the 71-20 result, the effort and determination from the All Blacks never wavered, with the team continuing to compete until the final whistle.

Score: Benalla 20 def by Bright 71

Best: Greer Mitchell, Olive Moon, Lexi Squires

Under 17s

Going into Saturday's game undermanned, we knew it was going to be a tough challenge against third-placed Bright.

From the first whistle to the last, the girls produced an outstanding team performance, with every player giving 110 per cent and putting into practice everything they have been working on at training. Their attitude and determination played a huge role throughout the contest.

In the end, the hard-fought match finished in a well-deserved 20-20 draw against a strong Bright side.

Libby Renkin was once again a standout, producing a brilliant defensive performance while also directing and encouraging her teammates across the court.

Amali Mackenzie had a terrific game at goal shooter, showing significant improvement, plenty of determination, and making the most of her opportunities in attack.

Darcie Jackson put together a massive performance through the centre, working tirelessly all day. Her second efforts were outstanding, and she never backed down from the contest, leading by example with her work rate and intensity.

A fantastic team effort from all the girls, who should be incredibly proud of the way they competed and represented the club.

Score: Benalla 20 drew Bright 20

Best: Libby Renkin, Amali Mackenzie, Darcie Jackson

Under 15s

Back on our home court, the under-15s side were ready to take on Bright for the only time this season.

With cold weather conditions and a wet court from the previous night’s rain, the team was challenged to make possession a top priority and value every opportunity with the ball.

The first quarter saw a fantastic start from our defensive end, with Imogen English, Lara McConachy and Sophia Young working tirelessly to force errors from Bright’s attacking unit. Down the court, Sharni Hughes and Lilly Hazell delivered precise feeds into our strong attacking combination of Lola Crook and Harper Robertson, helping the Panthers establish an early lead.

Carrying that momentum into the second quarter, the team continued to work together to create turnovers and transition the ball smoothly into attack. Their patience and teamwork allowed them to maintain control and build scoreboard pressure.

At half time, the players were encouraged to maintain their defensive intensity and remain composed when bringing the ball into the attacking circle.

The second half proved to be a physical contest, but the young Panthers stood strong, continuing to contest every ball and apply relentless pressure. Their determination created multiple opportunities and allowed for some beautiful passages of play as they moved the ball seamlessly down the court.

Lola Crook and Lilly Hazell were named among the best players, with their excellent movement in the goal circle creating easy feeding options for their midcourt teammates. Kayla Woodhams also had a standout game in defence, combining brilliantly with Lara McConachy and Imogen English. Her ability to read the play and apply pressure to Bright’s attackers was a key factor in earning an award for round 12.

The young Panthers delivered a strong four-quarter performance to secure an impressive win.

Score: Benalla 47 def Bright 17

Awards: Hollywood’s Pizza Award - Kayla Woodhams, Benalla McDonald’s/Club Award - Lola Crook, Spot 4 Ice cream Award - Lilly Hazell

Football

Seniors

In difficult and slippery conditions at home, the Panthers battled hard all day but were ultimately outclassed by a strong, big-bodied and mobile Bright outfit.

Despite the challenging conditions, the young Panthers never stopped competing, with Sam Cox continuing his outstanding season through the midfield. Jaxon Brunner and Jesse Liddington showed plenty of dash and determination, while Spencer Hunter’s work rate and attack on the contest never wavered. New recruit Jake Dempster also impressed, working tirelessly and showing plenty of promise in his second outing for the club.

Congratulations to ‘Big Rhino’ Ryan Nedeljkovic reaching the remarkable milestone of 200 senior games. As he has done throughout his career, Ryan led by example, giving his all from the opening bounce until the final siren.

Down back, Nich Spencer and Riley Kego were under constant pressure but stood tall, repelling countless Bright attacks and doing everything they could to keep the visitors at bay.

While the scoreboard wasn’t in the Panthers’ favour, there was no shortage of effort and commitment. The group will take plenty of lessons from the contest as they continue to develop and look forward to the challenges ahead. All roads lead to the Bat Cave next Saturday afternoon.

Score: Benalla 6.5 (41) def by Bright 25.22 (172)

Awards: Harry Brown - Sam Cox, Club Award - Ryan Nedeljkovic, Royal Hotel - Jaxon Brunner

Reserves

It was a wet and miserable day as the Benalla All Blacks took on Bright, with the visitors proving far too strong and well drilled from start to finish.

Bright controlled the contest across the ground and made full use of the conditions, piling on scoreboard pressure all day. Despite the tough circumstances, the All Blacks continued to compete and never dropped their heads.

Jamahl McDonald battled manfully in the ruck all day, giving his side first use under heavy pressure. David Whitechurch showed plenty of courage, battling through injury to provide leadership and resistance, while Dylan Whitelaw-Orton worked tirelessly down back, fighting hard all day against a relentless Bright forward line.

In the end, it was a difficult afternoon for the All Blacks, with Bright’s structure and polish shining through.

Score: Benalla 2.6 (18) def by Bright 35.9 (219)