Wet and wild conditions for All Blacks against Whorouly

The boys started with intensity, kicking three goals to Whorouly’s six in a physical first quarter.

Sam Cox was a standout in the middle, dominating contests and delivering clean ball to the forward line. The second quarter was one of Benalla’s best, showing grit and defensive pressure, restricting Whorouly to just three goals for the term. Ashton Hillaire threw his body into every contest, crashing packs and setting the tone with his physicality and courage around the ball.

After halftime, Whorouly began to take control, stretching their lead in the third with clean ball use and relentless pressure. Despite this, Benalla’s Kaare Glass impressed with his consistent effort across half forward, proving himself as a reliable target and workhorse all day.

In the final term, Benalla continued to fight, managing to slot a few late goals and showing great character to play the game out with pride. Though the final score didn’t fall in their favour, the team’s effort and intensity in patches were clear positives to take forward.

Score: Benalla 8.8 (56) def by Whorouly 23.12 (150)

Awards: Tyrepower Award - Sam Cox, Bill Bo Pop Award - Ashton Hillaire, Benalla Racing Club Award - Kaare Glass

Reserves

In a sloppy, wet and cold contest, the Panthers set out to take on Whorouly. With the injury list building up the boys knew it would be a tough day. They went in with a strong mindset and the message to attack and fight all day, no matter the result.

Early moments saw two of the Panthers boys putting their bodies on the line in courageous efforts, unfortunately resulting in concussion. With even less players to work with the boys used this as motivation to continue battling for the remainder of the game.

Dyllan was outstanding in his role, creating as much play out of defence as possible, while Blake continued his great form. 'Whitey' continues to prove that age is just a number as he showed all his younger team mates and opposition his talent as he got down and dirty in the mud, scrapping at every contest.

A tough defeat where we couldn't hit the scoreboard will give the boys plenty of reason to fight it out until the end of season.

Score: Benalla 0.0 (0) def by Whorouly 17.26 (128)

Awards: Royal Hotel - Dyllan Whitelaw, Orton Golden Barber - Blake Marlborough, Benalla Golf Club - David Whitechurch

Netball

A-grade

Benalla adapted well to wet conditions against third-placed Whorouly, using short, sharp drives to work the ball under the ring.

Despite a strong defensive effort and multiple intercepts across the court, Benalla couldn’t convert turnovers into goals, going down 21-44. Jessie Ellis was a standout with her trademark defensive pressure, clean intercepts, and reliable presence on the transverse line.

Elyse Felstead impressed in GK with strong three-foot pressure and frequent touches on the ball. Alicia Langlands continued to shine after stepping up from under-17s, showing confident drives and smart feeds into the circle.

Score: Benalla 21 def by Whorouly 44

Awards: Jessie Ellis - TyrePower Award, Elyse Felstead - Benalla Racing Club Award, Alicia Langlands - Stella Stella Award

B-grade

The last time Benalla Panthers faced Whorouly, they suffered a heavy 63-goal defeat. Determined to close the gap, the Panthers came out firing this week and adapted well to the wet conditions, delivering a fantastic first quarter.

With patience and full-court defensive pressure, Benalla took a surprise 10-9 lead into the first break. Despite a strong start, the Panthers struggled to maintain momentum across the remaining three quarters.

They continued to battle to the final siren but were ultimately defeated 26-45. Best on court and Royal Hotel Award recipient Kirsty Eastwood was a standout in the mid-court, offering consistent attacking options and forcing turnovers. The Panthers were also boosted by the return of Olive Moon (Terry White Pharmacy Award), who slotted seamlessly back into goal defence.

Olive provided key links through the midcourt and combined well with fellow defender Holly Robertson (SportsPower Award), whose pressure in the goal ring disrupted Whorouly's attack and earned vital rebounds.

Score: Benalla 26 def by Whorouly 45

Awards: Kirsty Eastwood - Royal Hotel Award, Olive Moon - Terry White Pharmacy Award, Holly Robertson - SportsPower Award

B-reserve

The Benalla Panthers are on a roll, notching another impressive win, this time against the Lions, who had taken the upper hand in their last encounter with an eight-goal win.

With that result still fresh in their minds, the Panthers stepped onto the court determined to flip the script, and they delivered. A major boost for the side came with the return of mid-court maestro Catherine Dennis, back after seven weeks of travelling.

Her composed and calculated play didn’t miss a beat, seamlessly slotting back into the lineup. Her connection with Joey Gall, Bec Mathieson and Brianna McNair was a standout, with sharp feeds into the ring and clever set-ups under the post.

Up forward, Brooke Bradshaw once again showed why she’s a weapon in the goal attack position. Her movement, vision and cool-headed accuracy under the ring were just what the Panthers needed to stay ahead and capitalise on every opportunity.

At the defensive end, Taitum Hemming led with passion and determination, ably supported by Chloe Dods and Ellex Best. The trio worked cohesively to apply pressure, force turnovers and calmly transition the ball down the court to give the attackers the platform to shine.

This game highlighted just how far the Panthers have come. It may have taken until mid-season for combinations to click, but now that they have, this team is rolling - and looking dangerous.

The chemistry is there, the hunger is building and the support for one another is lifting the entire squad. Another win on the board and plenty of momentum heading into the next round.

Score: Benalla 37 def Whorouly 28

Awards: Harry Brown Award – Catherine Dennis Hollywood’s Pizza – Brooke Bradshaw Coffee Merchant – Taitum Hemming

Under-17

The All Blacks delivered a superb team performance against the higher‑placed Whorouly, showing just how far they’ve come this season. From the opening whistle, it was a true full team effort.

Ruby Crook was outstanding, providing brilliant leads, accurate passes and loud voice throughout the court in her best performance of the year. Keira Brown dominated the goal circle, shooting accurately and applying genuine pressure defensively to repeatedly disrupt Whorouly’s rhythm.

Torah Heeps continued her great form with game‑changing intercepts and clever leading into space. Her partnership with Ruby around the ring sparked numerous scoring opportunities and helped the All Blacks maintain control at pivotal moments. All Blacks impressed spectators and held on for a hard‑fought five‑goal victory.

Score: Benalla 39 def Whorouly 34

Awards: Royal Hotel BOC - Ruby Crook All Blacks Club Award - Keira Brown McDonald’s - Torah Heeps

Under-15

In cold and rainy conditions, the under-15s welcomed Whorouly to their home court. Whorouly started the game strong, gaining a four-goal lead in the first quarter. At the first break, the team was reminded to attack the ball and be patient when working it into the attacking circle.

In the second quarter, the team responded well, balancing the court flow and leading to the ball, which allowed the mid-court players to feed effectively into the circle and helped Benalla gain control of the game.

At half time, the team was praised for their strong second quarter and their ability to apply fantastic pressure and convert turnovers one goal at a time. In the second half, Benalla showed their ability to apply pressure across the whole court, forcing errors in Whorouly’s play and gaining possession to convert goals.

Imogen English earned the Hollywood’s Pizza Award for her teamwork and defensive pressure in the circle, along with her ability to read the play. Libby Renkin was awarded the Benalla McDonald’s Award for her strong rebounds, effective communication with teammates, and her presence as a key option when moving the ball into attack.

Sharni Hughes received the Spot 4 Ice Cream Award for her strong performance at WA. She was a reliable option on centre pass, fed the ball patiently to the shooters, and applied outstanding defensive pressure, turning over the play multiple times

Score: Benalla 30 def Whorouly 22

Awards: Imogen English - Hollywood’s Pizza Award, Libby Renkin - Benalla McDonald’s Award, Sharni Hughes - Spot 4 Ice Cream Award