A-grade
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Benalla All Blacks got off to a great start against a strong Tarrawingee side this week, matching it goal-for-goal for much of the opening quarter.
Despite going into the second term trailing by only two goals, the All Blacks were unable to back up their first quarter brilliance and the game slipped from their grasp.
But determined not to give up, Benalla continued to work hard across the entire court and outscored Tarrawingee in the final quarter.
Sam Bochtler worked hard all game in attack and on her defensive transitions.
Meanwhile, Rhi Teichert had another great game in defence getting her hands to the ball and displayed a high work-rate throughout the match.
Final score: Benalla 33 def by Tarrawingee 51
Awards: Sam Bochtler, Rhi Teichert and Bernie O’Brien
B-grade
Benalla got off to a bumpy start against a quick Tarrawingee side this week which resulted in the team being down by 13 goals at quarter-time.
In a much better second quarter the All Blacks bridged the gap and outscored Tarra by eight ahead of half-time.
Some great shooting by Sally Burgess and defensive efforts by Elyse Felstead had the girls much better placed going into the second half of the match.
Despite some really great passages of play and defensive efforts throughout the midcourt, the All Blacks were unable to make up the first quarter deficit and went down by eight goals in the end.
Final score: Benalla 41 def by Tarrawingee 49
Awards: Sally Burgess, Elyse Felstead and Ashlea McDonald
B-reserve.
It was the All Blacks’ slow start that kept them out of the match, as they dropped to a 19-goal deficit by half-time.
Melanie Reaper and Hannah McCallum battled in the ring to keep the All Blacks on the scoreboard.
Grace Bekins and Jessica Beaton attempted to rebound out of Tarrawingee’s defence. Final score: Benalla 25 def by Tarrawingee 52
Under-17s
Although Tarrawingee was below the All Blacks on the ladder, the C-grade team went into the game knowing it would have to work hard if it wanted to get the four points.
The All Blacks went hard in the first quarter ensuring they put themselves ahead on the scoreboard going into the second quarter.
In a low-scoring quarter the All Blacks only scored five goals, however, the tight defence of Jessie Ellis and Paige Blaine kept Tarrawingee to only one goal for the quarter.
The All Blacks were able to capitalise on Tarrawingee’s mistakes and ensured the scoreline increased with each quarter.
Chelsea Mackinnon was tremendous in goals this week, with accurate shooting and efficient movement in the ring.
Final score: Benalla 32 def Tarrawingee 15.
Awards: Chelsea Mackinnon, Paige Blaine and Jessie Ellis
Under-15s
This week Tarrawingee took advantage of the All Blacks’ lack of leading, which meant Tarra could intercept a number of the All Blacks’ centre passes.
But it was a slow start in the end for the All Blacks (a 1-7 opening quarter), which saw the visitors trail at every break.
Final score: Benalla 11 def by Tarrawingee 20.
Awards: Diaz Matthews, Rose Mathieson, Dakota Lindsey-Whitelaw.