Under-15s deliver sole win on tough day for All Blacks

Despite the scoreboard, the All Blacks battled hard all day and showed glimpses of promise throughout the match.

Ashton Hillaire worked tirelessly through the midfield, providing drive and effort around the contest. David Button held firm in defence under relentless pressure, intercepting and repelling numerous forward entries.

Jesse Walker played extremely well down back and through the midfield, eventually kicking a goal in the fourth. It was a great example of keeping your head up and pushing right through to the final siren.

While the result didn’t go Benalla’s way, the team never dropped their heads and continued to compete until the final siren. With continued effort and improvement, brighter days are ahead for the All Blacks.

Score: Benalla 3.6 (24) def by Whorouly 24.18 (162)

Awards: Royal Hotel - Ashton Hillaire, Hollywoods Pizza - David Button, Golden Barber - Jesse Walker

Reserves

From the outset, we knew it would be a tough day, but to the boys' credit, they battled hard and never stopped fighting.

Scott Nicholson worked tirelessly in the ruck and around the ground, putting in a solid performance. Ayden Amos continued to lead from the middle, doing what he does best, while newcomer Trent Nicholson impressed with his strength and composure in the backline.

Despite having no bench and running on empty by the final siren, the boys gave it their all. Exhaustion ultimately caught up with us, and we went down 170-4. Still, the effort and heart shown by the team was something to be proud of.

Score: Benalla 0.4 (4) def by Whorouly 26.14 (170)

Awards: Scott Nicholson - Tyrepower, Trent Nicholson - Bilbo Pop, Ayden Amos - Golden Barber

Netball

A-grade

Defensive pressure was the highlight of Saturday’s matchup for Benalla’s A-grade side. The team worked tirelessly across the entire court, creating numerous opportunities to force turnovers.

However, they were unable to fully capitalise on those gains, ultimately going down 31-57. Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to take from the tough hit-out.

Jo Toms made a welcome return in the black and white, showcasing her extensive netball knowledge and experience.

Gertie McCallum continued her strong form with another impressive performance in the centre. Nat Pritchard was a standout, displaying grit and going hard at every contest.

Elyse Felstead had a solid game in goal defence, combining well with Jo to apply pressure in the defensive circle.

Score: Benalla 31 def by Whorouly 57

Awards: Royal Hotel Award - Gertie McCallum, Jenny Milner Pharmacy Award - Nat Pritchard, Sports Power Award - Elyse Felstead

B-grade

It was another hot day on court as the All Blacks faced a tough challenge against a strong Whorouly side, eventually going down 75–12.

Despite the testing conditions, the team showed plenty of grit, maintaining solid defensive pressure across the court.

However, they struggled to capitalise on opportunities in attack and couldn't match Whorouly’s scoring firepower.

With a home game against Moyhu next Saturday, the All Blacks will be aiming to regroup and focus on sharpening their attacking execution during training this week.

Score: Benalla 12 def by Whorouly 75

Awards: TyrePower Award – Olive Moon, Harry Brown Award – Chloe Gunn, Benalla Racing Club Award – Dee Manning

B-reserve

The All Blacks faced a strong Whorouly side this week, with the Lions taking control early and putting on scoreboard pressure from the first whistle. But the Blacks responded well in the second quarter, making key changes that helped steady the game and shift momentum.

Taitum Hemming was a standout, starting strong in defence and then moving into goals, where her versatility and calmness earned her best-on-court. The team came out firing in the third quarter, outscoring Whorouly by four goals and showing real fight.

Kristy Hanrahan was fearless in defence, constantly putting her body on the line and winning key turnovers. Ellex Best also impressed with smart, disciplined play and sharp passing under pressure.

Coach Hughes praised the team for their unity, effort, and selfless attitude. While Whorouly took the win 47-39, the All Blacks once again proved they are a tight, determined group with plenty of heart.

Score: Benalla 39 def by Whorouly 47

Awards: Taitum Hemming - Royal Hotel Award, Kristy Hanrahan - Stella Stella Award, Ellexandra Best - Sportspower Award

Under-17s

The under-17s put in a gutsy performance against a tall and physical Whorouly side on Saturday, ultimately falling short with a 30-24 loss.

It was a defensive battle from the outset, with Whorouly’s significant height advantage proving difficult to overcome in the early stages. Despite the challenge, the All Blacks never gave up, showing resilience and determination across the court.

They finished strongly, taking out the final quarter with fierce defensive pressure and quick transitions, but the goal difference proved too much to claw back.

Eleanor Renkin was awarded best on court with yet another standout game in defence. She capped off her performance by moving into the goal ring in the last quarter, where her versatility and availability down the court stood out.

Amali Mackenzie also had a huge game in goal keeper, pulling off crucial intercepts and displaying great movement in the ring.

In the midcourt, Alicia Langlands impressed with her work rate, finding space and creating strong leads throughout the match.

The under-17s will take plenty of positives from the game as they continue to develop and grow together this season.

Score: Benalla 24 def by Whorouly 30

Awards: Eleanor Renkin - MVP Benalla All Blacks Thursday Night Meal Deal, Amali Mackenzie - Stella Stella Award, Alicia Landlands- The Coffee Merchant Award

Under-15s

Our 15-and-under team faced off against a determined Whorouly side, starting the game with a slow first quarter down by two goals.

However, the girls quickly found their rhythm, showing resilience and teamwork. In the second quarter, they put Thursday night’s training into action, creating multiple turnovers and executing well-structured court set-ups that transitioned the ball smoothly into the attacking circle.

Libby Renkin was awarded the Benalla All Blacks Club Award for her great performance in defence. She read the play beautifully, consistently shutting down Whorouly’s attacking opportunities.

Sharni Hughes received the Chill Out Smoothie Bar Award for delivering another strong and consistent four quarters in Wing Defence. Her strong defensive pressure disrupted Whorouly’s attacking flow and made it difficult for them to move the ball into their circle.

The Spot 4 Icecream Award went to Imogen English, who was a standout with her versatility after being shifted into Goal Shooter. She adapted quickly, combined well with her fellow attackers, and moved with confidence in the ring.

The team’s hard work and cohesion throughout the second half showed on the scoreboard leaving the game with a 10-goal win.

Score: Benalla 35 def Whorouly 25

Awards: Benalla All Blacks Club Award - Libby Renkin, Chill Out Smoothie Bar - Sharni Hughes, Spot 4 Icecream - Imogen English