Under-13s star Sophie Littler starts a big run which ended in one of her four goals for the match. Photo: David Keen.
There was great team play and worthy results all round for Benalla’s hockey teams at the weekend.
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Under 13s vs SCC
Benalla’s under-13 Tigers were at their best on the weekend, producing a dominant 7-0 win over SCC with another impressive team performance.
Madeleine was outstanding as goalie for the first time, staying calm under pressure and making multiple crucial saves that got through captain Phoenix’s determined defence.
Finn controlled the midfield with great passing up the field, while Rachel applied plenty of pressure at centre forward and supported in the circle, scoring twice.
Will worked relentlessly to win back possession throughout the game and was rewarded with a well-earned goal, passed through from Rachel off Sophie out wide.
Charlee owned the wing, removing options for SCC and passing well into attack.
Sophie was on fire in the circle, opening the scoring off a penalty corner pushed in by William, as well as scoring off a long solo run, outpacing the defence.
It was another fantastic team effort, with every player playing their role in an impressive win.
The Tigers are looking confident, connected and well prepared heading into the upcoming semi-finals.
Goals: Sophie Littler 4, Rachel Erickson 2, William Keen 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Finn Thompson, 2 - Rachel, 1 - Sophie.
Under 16s vs SCC
Brodie runs the ball back into the circle after an under-16 penalty corner clearance, supported by Kobe and Ineke. Photo: Claire Walsh.
The Benalla-SYC under-16s ran hard against SCC with no bench, after providing Alida and Rory to help balance the numbers.
Kobe and Xavier were a formidable team running through the centre of the field, with Xavier scoring the first goal and narrowly missing another.
Jack contributed well out wide, with nice plays into Angus and Ineke and some great slap hits towards goal.
Breanna and Steele ran hard on the wing, with Steele positioning perfectly to score the second goal off a busy penalty corner.
Captain Indi had a great game, assisting in the third goal which was scored a strong push into the backboard by Brodie, after just missing out on a goal scored after the umpires’ whistle for a penalty corner.
Goalie Annie’s solid back line was hampered in the second half when Cael pushed up into the forward line, driving well into the circle.
This allowed Alida, playing for SCC, to make a fabulous long run into the circle and score against sister Annie for the final goal of the game, with Benalla-SYC taking the win 3-2.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Xavier Kramer, 2 - Kobe Rawlings, 1 - Breanna Graham.
Women’s SYC vs Echuca
The SYC Women had a fun game against Echuca, with many big runs to eventually score a goal in the final quarter, and great defence to hold Echuca to just three goals.
Jacinta intercepted many as half-back, doggedly chasing down the ball-carrier, and Amber had a few runs up the wing after timely turnovers as a full-back.
Lee has moved up to the wing, running hard to be in position in the circle, and assisting with some nice runs through the middle by Heidi as an inner.
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