First up was the under-12s, with Benalla Black/SYC dominating Mooroopna to secure an 8-3 win.
Caleb Gillies, in his first-ever match, played a stellar game, showing great ball skills to avoid his opponents before scoring a goal.
Senior hockey season latest casualty of COVID-19
He was well supported by his more experienced cousins Olly and Noah Gillies, who scored two goals each with great runs down the field.
Jack Chittick and Xavier Watson created good turnovers in the midfield, pushing forwards towards Bella Hately on the right wing, while Zander Gillies saved several key shots on goal in the second half when goalie Madeline Watson was her busiest. Post-match, Zander received two best and fairest votes from the umpires.
In the under-14 Benalla/SYC match, the combined team jelled straight away to notch up an 7-0 victory over Mooroopna.
COVID-19 shuts down Benalla Auskick Centre for year
With plenty of numbers on the bench, players were rotated frequently, ensuring fresh legs and a fast game.
Benalla’s Olly Gillies was quick on the wing and scored his first goal in a full-field game, while Seth Hately and Xavier Watson were strong half-backs, with good tackles turning the ball towards the Benalla/SYC goal.
Noah Gillies, as inner, produced good passes into the goals, teaming with Caleb Gillies as centre-forward, while Amber Armstrong was strong as a full-back as goalie Madeline Watson had a quiet game.
Junior football and cricket presidents welcome new Arundel St precinct
Rounding out the day, Benalla’s under-16 players joined the newly formed GVHA Maroons, which combines players from five other clubs with lower playing numbers.
With many having played together at Junior Country Championships, the team worked well as a new squad to edge past Mooroopna, 1-0.
Benalla’s Sarah Farley took the first ball as centre-forward and maintained great plays in the forward line and goal circle.
Charlie Grimwade was a solid full-back, with strong tackles halting Mooroopna’s attacking runs, while half-back Taree Fletcher controlled play down the right side.
Round two, Saturday, July 25 fixture:
10am: U12 Benalla Orange vs Mooroopna.
11.15am: U14 SYC/Benalla vs GVGS.
12.30pm: U12 Benalla Black/SYC vs GVGS.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
9°C