Jack makes a big hit after a nice run to the baseline for the under-16s. Photo: Lee Manning.
Benalla’s juniors all had stellar games for decisive wins in round seven of the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association competition.
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Under 13s vs Strikers Red
Phoenix effectively halts an under-13s Strikers run. Photo by Winnie He.
The under-13s had an impressive 2-0 victory against the strong Strikers Red team, showing outstanding teamwork and determination on the ball.
Goalie Hayden’s quick reactions and confidence under pressure saved over eight goals, keeping Strikers scoreless.
Fullback Phoenix was outstanding, making quick tackles in the circle and solid, straight passes forwards through a wall of players that helped provide Benalla with a strong foundation to launch their attack.
Charlee helps William race the ball down the field beside a stream of under-13 Strikers players. Photo by Winnie He.
Madeleine had another stellar game in midfield, winning possession with well-timed tackles and reading the play to connect with teammates, including Rachel who led into space pushing forward towards goals.
Captain Charlee had her best game yet, with relentless effort including a fabulous turnover tackle in the opposition circle and two great runs down the wings.
Midfielder Sophie was dangerous in attack, staying wide, using her stick skills to challenge defenders and help maintain pressure on the Strikers defence, then racing up the field to score in the second quarter.
William worked tirelessly at centre forward, with multiple solid saves in the opposition circle and runs up the field dodging players, including right up to the attacking circle to pass to Sophie for a fast goal past the goalie in the final eight seconds of the match, finishing the game on a high.
Goals: Sophie Littler 2
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - William Keen, 2 - Rachel Erickson; 1 - Madeleine Wright.
Under 16s vs Echuca
An under-16 Echuca run is thwarted by Breanna, as Angus, Cooper, Brodie and Cael stream back in defence. Photo: Lee Manning.
The under-16s were a solid team against the speedy Echuca, using long hits across the field to utilise space on the wings and avoid the centre.
Captain Ineke set the scene early, with the first goal off a great team run through the pack.
Half back Brodie was determined in his tackles, racing away with the turnover multiple times, passing to brother Kobe who had his best game of the season making fast breaks with centre-forward Angus into the circle, with Angus scoring.
Xavier is excelling as centre half, creating great forward momentum and working hard at the top of the attacking circle to get the ball through, including passing in to Jack to score and belting through two goals himself.
Steele and Alida both showed great versatility in alternating between full back and forward wing, positioning well out wide and running into the circle, unlucky not to score.
Goalie Annie was barely needed due to Benalla’s strong defence, with Cael making key turnovers and strong passes forwards to Cooper and Breanna to carry up the field, with a short pass to Indi in the circle for a sixth and final goal and the solid 6-0 win.
Goals: Xavier Kramer 2, Ineke Walsh, Jack Chittick, Angus Hayes, Indi Turner
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Kobe Rawlings, 2 - Jack Chittick, 1 - Angus Hayes.
Women’s SYC vs Mooroopna
SYC Women held Mooroopna to minimal goals in a fair game, stopping at least ten good runs at goal to keep the score to 6-0.
Jacinta played a ripper game as inner, channelling her opponents over the sideline when not actively intercepting players to send the ball forward.
Counterpart Heidi also showed her skill in encircling the opposition with some great stick work, but was constantly shut down by Mooroopna.
Amber was dogged in her defence, determined to halt runs before the circle and made some solid clearances, with Lee slipping in behind to prevent the speedy wings from scoring.
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