Goalie Annie wins this one-on-one for U15 Orange, sending the ball soaring. Photos: Kelly Thannhauser.
Round six of the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association competition saw two great wins for Benalla Hockey Club, while the U15 Black team had a narrow loss in a very tight game.
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Under 12 v SCC Lions
Captain Madeleine was a fantastic first time goalie for the U12s, really making her presence felt by running out to meet the ball and protecting the posts in close, saving five certain goals.
Hayden made some great runs up the field, scoring two great open goals, and Rachel was super strong in defence across the whole back line, also having a run up the field to score.
Teddy lined up some great free hits in the midfield, effectively using the boards to pass around the opposition up the side line.
Phoenix was an excellent midfielder, forcing many turnovers and passing strongly to the strikers up the field.
William and Sophie used their speed to run through the centre, both scoring after trapping a nice pass on the run and avoiding defenders to find the goal line and earn Benalla a convincing 8:3 win.
Goals: Hayden Littler 4; William 2; Rachel Erickson 1; Sophie 1.
Umpire Best and Fairest: William Keen 3; Madeleine Wright 2; Sophie Littler 1.
Under-15 Orange v GVGS Blue
Liam runs the ball into the circle for a shot on goal for U15 Orange.
Angus W was again across the entire midfield for Benalla U15 Orange, with an early goal setting the team up to outpace the strong GVGS Blue.
He went on to pass a clean ball to Liam to score, pushed a lovely ball straight through five defenders on a penalty corner, and made a long solo run dodging defenders to score the final goal of the game.
Some good turnovers out wide saw Erin make the play in towards the forwards, as well as scoring off a clean first-pass push on a penalty corner.
Abbie played solidly in defence, with clean tackles forcing turnovers and effective free hits up the field, supported by Talon who forced through the centre pack to pass the ball to Benalla’s strikers.
Alida positioned well out wide, angling in towards the circle for the long pass, while Amity cut off the centre pass numerous times.
Captain and goalie Annie read the play well to run out and cut off a number of runs into the circle, cementing the 5:4 win.
Goals: Angus W 3; Erin Jenkins 1; Liam Carroll 1.
Umpire Best and Fairest: Angus Woodward 3; Abigail Thannhauser 2; Talon McKenzie 1.
Under-15 Black v Strikers Red
Benalla Black ran hard against the speedy Strikers Red, setting the pace early with a strong goal by Xavier, who continued to tackle effectively and create the play throughout the game.
Jack and Finn were solid full backs, forcing turnovers in the circle to halt play before it got to goalie Angus W, who saved some crucial sneaky balls.
Angus H and Kobe worked together well through the midfield, with Kobe making a great run into the circle to score.
Steele made good position on the wing, also tackling well to turn the ball over to Benalla.
Benalla defended multiple penalty corners, only allowing one goal through. The final 3:2 loss wasn’t reflective of the great team play and skilful hockey throughout the game.
Goals: Kobe 1; Xavier 1.
Umpire Best and Fairest Black: Xavier Kramer 3; Angus Hayes 2; Kobe Rawlings 1.
Senior results
Euroa women dominated the play in the first half, but ran out of legs to lose 1:4 against Echuca Green.
Strikers B-men drew 1:1 against Echuca, in Echuca.