Trio of netball wins highlights All Blacks outing against Milawa

Benalla entered the contest eager to challenge one of the competition's stronger sides and did just that for much of the game. Strong defensive pressure and calm ball movement through transition kept the All Blacks within reach, but Milawa's composure in key moments ultimately proved the difference as they pulled away to secure the nine-goal victory.

Chelsea Gilcrist was once again a standout in the defensive circle, providing a strong physical presence and consistently contesting every ball. Her ability to apply pressure, force errors and create opportunities for her teammates was a key feature of Benalla's defensive effort.

The injection of Esher Berry from Goulburn Valley League club Mansfield was a welcome boost for the All Blacks. Taking control through the centre, Berry made an immediate impact with her relentless defensive pressure across the court and composed attacking play, consistently valuing possession and driving the team forward.

Bronti Mustey continued her impressive form in defence, producing another strong performance. She secured several critical rebounds and worked hard to convert defensive gains into attacking opportunities, highlighting her continued improvement each week.

While the result didn't go Benalla's way, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance as the All Blacks continue to build against quality opposition.

Score: Benalla 35 def by Milawa 44

Best: Chelsea Gilcrist, Esher Berry, Bronti Mustey

B Grade

B Grade knew going into this game that it would be a tough contest. Six weeks ago when they came up against Milawa, it was a 31-point loss.

With some solid trainings up our sleeve and finally settling in with the recent changes in the team, coach Courtney Sammon expected two things: consistency and effort for four quarters.

Nikita Hansen came out with energy and maintained this throughout the entirety of the game, chasing loose balls and provided calmness in the attacking end, earning her best on. Second and third best on went to Keeley Sheehan and Tori Hedger respectively. The dynamic pair worked tirelessly throughout defence, causing important turnovers, getting deflections and intercepts all game.

While the girls didn’t come away with the four points, each and every player listened and delivered a consistent game from the first to final whistle, eventually going down 16-34.

Score: Benalla 16 def by Milawa 34

Best: Nikita Hansen, Keeley Sheehan, Tori Hedger

B Reserve

Benalla All Blacks B Reserve returned to their home court on Saturday to take on Milawa in what proved to be a thrilling contest, with the home side prevailing 38-37 in a one-goal classic.

A slow opening quarter saw both teams settle into the game, with Milawa taking a narrow lead at the first break. The All Blacks responded well in the second term, fighting back to level the scores by half-time before an exciting second half saw the lead change hands several times.

Best on court honours went to Olive Moon, whose tireless work rate in defence created several important turnovers and sparked Benalla’s transition down the court.

Lexi Squires earned second best with a dominant defensive display, shutting down her goal shooter with outstanding one-on-one pressure.

Third best went to Isabella Smith, who bounced back from a quiet first half to produce an outstanding second half, responding brilliantly to coaching instructions and becoming a key contributor.

The one-goal victory gives the girls their second win of the season and is a great reward for a side that continues to improve each week despite being undermanned. It was a complete team performance full of determination, resilience and belief.

Score: Benalla 38 def Milawa 37

Awards: Royal Hotel Best On Court - Olive Moon, Terry White Chemist - Lexi Squires, Club Dinner - Isabella Smith

Under 17s

Benalla All Blacks earned a hard-fought 41-39 victory over Milawa, securing four valuable points in a thrilling contest.

With its sights set on climbing the ladder, Benalla entered the match determined to come away with the win. The opening quarter was an even affair, with both teams locked at 10 goals apiece. From there, Benalla lifted the intensity, gaining the ascendancy through the middle stages before holding off a spirited Milawa fightback to claim the two-goal victory.

The turning point came midway through the second quarter when under-15s player Lola Crook was introduced at goal shooter. Crook made an immediate impact, producing a match-winning performance with her strong holds, accurate finishing and composure well beyond her years. Her presence in the goal circle proved to be the difference for Benalla.

Alicia Langlands was again outstanding at wing attack, consistently threading pinpoint passes into the shooting circle while applying relentless defensive pressure through the midcourt.

Isabella Lowry also delivered one of her best performances of the season at wing defence, controlling her opponent, attacking every loose ball and creating valuable turnovers that Benalla converted into goals.

It was a determined team performance that earned Benalla an important 41-39 win as they continue to push up the ladder.

Score: Benalla 41 def Milawa 39

Best: Lola Crook, Alicia Langlands, Isabella Lowry

Under 15s

Round 15 saw the Benalla All Blacks under-15s return to their home court to take on Milawa.

Milawa came out with plenty of intensity, catching Benalla off guard early and forcing a slow start. Despite the pressure, the Panthers fought hard to take a narrow 10-9 lead into the first break.

After regrouping at quarter time, Benalla found its rhythm and never looked back. Strong defensive pressure across the court created numerous turnovers, allowing the team to transition the ball smoothly from defence into attack and build momentum for the remainder of the match.

Kayla Woodhams was outstanding in defence, combining brilliantly with Lara McConachy to shut down Milawa’s attacking circle. Sophia Young also had an exceptional game, recording multiple intercepts while working tirelessly to limit the influence of Milawa’s wing attack.

Sharni Hughes showed great determination, producing a strong performance at wing defence before moving into attack, where she combined beautifully with Olivia Mullaly to deliver accurate feeds into the goal circle. Up front, Lilly Hazell, Lola Crook and Harper Robertson worked seamlessly together, showcasing the movement and teamwork they have been developing at training to convert scoring opportunities.

Once the team settled into the contest during the second quarter, they were able to play their brand of netball, controlling the game with patience, composure and relentless defensive pressure. It was another fantastic team performance that highlighted why the Panthers continue to sit among the competition’s top teams.

Score: Benalla 69 defeated Milawa 29

Awards: Harley’s Pizza Award - Kayla Woodhams, Benalla McDonalds/Spot 4 Ice Cream: Lola Crook, Spot 4 Ice Cream: Sharni Hughes

Football

Seniors

Despite being undermanned, the young Panthers battled hard in their home clash against Milawa, but a costly second quarter ultimately proved the difference.

After competing well early, the Panthers were unable to contain Milawa’s momentum during the second term, with the visitors taking full advantage to establish a lead that would prove difficult to reel in. To the credit of the Panthers, they never stopped competing and continued to take the game on right through to the final siren.

Jake Dempster produced his best game in Panthers colours, working tirelessly around the ground and providing a strong contest all afternoon. In his 100th senior game, Lachy Sinclair celebrated the milestone in style, giving the side plenty of drive and rebound from defence.

Matt Hedger’s experience and leadership were invaluable throughout the contest, while the ever-reliable Sam Cox and Spencer Hunter once again led from the front with determined performances.

While the result wasn’t the one the Panthers were after, the effort and resilience shown by the young group, despite being short on numbers, is something they can build on as they head into the remaining rounds of the season.

Score: Benalla 5.9 (39) def by Milawa 21.13 (139)

Awards: Tyrepower - Jake Dempster, Harry Brown - Lachy Sinclair, Royal Hotel - Matt Hedger

Reserves

The Benalla All Blacks reserves faced a tough challenge against a strong Milawa side, with the visitors proving too good on the day.

Despite the result, it was a special day for Ahren McNab, who celebrated his 150th game for the Benalla All Blacks. Congratulations, Ahren, on reaching this incredible milestone. Your dedication, loyalty and commitment to the club over many years is something to be proud of, and everyone at the club congratulates you on a fantastic achievement.

The Benalla All Blacks would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Milawa's trainer and the first aid personnel for their outstanding response and care following the on-field medical incident. Your quick actions, professionalism and compassion until the paramedics arrived were greatly appreciated by our players, officials and supporters.

Score: Benalla 1.3 (9) def by Milawa 16.13 (109)

Awards: Thursday Night Dinner Award - Chris Orton, Benalla Golf Club Award - Dylan Whitelaw and Chris Orton, Sportspower Award - Damian Broughton