A fortnight out from the start of the NAB League Girls’ season, the Murray Bushrangers’ senior and development squads ran out on JC Lowe Oval at Yarrawonga for their final practice matches of the off-season on Saturday.
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Despite going down in their under-18 and under-16 matches to the indomitable metropolitan machine that is Calder Cannons, Benalla dominated the Bushrangers’ line-ups with seven players getting a run across the two games.
Coming away with a win in their first practice match against Bendigo Pioneers the week prior, the under-18 squad was dealt a shock by the precision at which last year’s grand finalists, Calder Cannons, played.
In the middle of the action was Benalla trio Samantha Pritchard, Cassidy Mailer and Keeley Skepper, who lined up through the midfield and wing and proved lively.
Despite the game running away from the Bushrangers by three-quarter time, the local team worked hard to create opportunities forward in the final term, with inaccuracy eventually cursing it in the 0.8.08 to 7.7.49 defeat.
Following the under-18 bout, the Bushrangers’ under-16 development squad ran out for its second match this year.
Again, it was a one-sided battle favouring the Cannons, but it was the effort and development shown from the Bushrangers that pleased coaches the most.
With play mostly in the Bushrangers’ backline, Benalla’s Olivia Moll was a beast at full-back throughout the first half, before a heavy knock in the third quarter sidelined her for the remainder of the match.
Starting in the ruck, Madison Gray swapped between pinch-hitting and defence, with her height a major asset late in the game as she held up Calders attack from the half-back line.
Benalla Saints recruit Mansfield's Madison Cronin switched to Cannons colours in the second half to even the numbers, but continued to rack up plenty of possessions, while Sophie Boyle, playing forward, executed cleanly when opportunities presented.
The Bushrangers will kick off their season in Wangaratta on Saturday, February 29 against Oakleigh, while coaches also announced post-practice match that all under-16 development players will be welcome to continue training with the squad throughout the season.
