GVHA U18 Girl’s Amber withstands the Geelong onslaught in the back line. Photos: Kelly Thannhauser.
Three Benalla Hockey Club juniors had great success playing at the Hockey Victoria Junior Country Championships, after selection in each of Goulburn Valley Hockey Association’s representative teams to play multiple games in Melbourne across the weekend.
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Abbie Thannhauser showed her value as a defender, playing as a half-back for most of her six Under-14 Girls games in Essendon.
Her experience was utilised to captain the first cross-over final on Sunday against the strong Hockey Central Vic. After three years of development, the team had a very successful weekend, with three wins over the Championships.
Jack only has eyes for the ball during his rain-soaked games for the GVHA U14 Boys at Essendon.
Jack Chittick was his usual versatile self, playing across both defence as half back and in attack on the right wing for the Under 14 Boys.
Melbourne showed its true all-seasons-in-a-day nature for the players, with the 8pm game called off due to intense rain and hail.
After five games, Jack was chosen as captain for the final against Hamilton, as reward for his teamwork and fair play at all times, leading the team to fourth overall.
Abbie receives on the run alongside Georgia for GVHA U14 Girls in front of the Hamilton opposition.
Amber Armstrong was a standout defender for the Under 18 Girls in her last Junior Championships, playing at the State Hockey Centre.
Her flat stick tackles created many turnovers, with the opposition rarely getting past her as full back. The girls were undefeated after one draw and five wins, heading straight to the grand final in a rematch of last year’s U16 grand final, where they again beat the strong Geelong, 1:0 to take home the gold medal.
Stick 2 Hockey
Benalla’s Stick 2 Hockey Under 12, Under 10 and Under 8 groups all had a great night on Thursday, with fun warm-ups then playing Number Hockey and 4-on-4 Hockey games, with lots of goals scored!
