Football
Seniors
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Benalla came into the match with only 19 players but started the game with real intensity and confidence, showing that we can match it with the best sides in the competition.
The first quarter was a testament to our grit and determination, matching Greta for most of the first quarter and going goal for goal. Unfortunately, as the game progressed and we lost players to injury, Greta began to gain momentum and eventually pulled away on the scoreboard.
Despite the growing margin, the boys continued to battle hard all day, showing tremendous commitment and resilience. Sam Cox was outstanding down back, taking on some of Greta's best forwards and standing tall under pressure. Kieran Linke was everywhere, providing run, pressure, and creating scoring opportunities across the ground. David Button put in a huge effort, rotating between defence and midfield and playing a key role in both areas.
While the scoreboard wasn’t in our favour, the team’s effort, heart, and determination were second to none. Plenty of positives to take forward as we regroup and prepare for the next challenge.
Score: Benalla 7.3 (45) def by Greta 33.28 (226)
Awards: Tyrepower Award - Sam Cox, Bill Bo Pop Award - Kieran Linke, Benalla Racing Club Award - David Button
Reserves
This week Benalla reserves took on Greta at home which is always a tough task. To the boys’ credit, and despite the scoreboard, they held up quite well, keeping in touch with the opposition up until half time.
Ahren Mcnab had his best game for the year winning contested ball while Austin Siede-Davon put himself in the right position all over the ground, and Chris Orton was essential in his first game for the year, providing a strong presence in the middle.
It was a great effort from the All Blacks, unfortunately going down to a much more polished side.
Score: Benalla 2.4 (16) def by Greta 14.22 (106)
Awards: Ahren Mcnab - Royal Hotel Award, Austin Siede-Davon - Golden Barber, Chris Orton - Benalla Golf Club
Netball
A-grade
Benalla took on Greta at home with a depleted line-up, forcing several players to double up across the day. Greta started strong, applying pressure from the outset.
Despite a slow start, Benalla showed grit. After Eliza Walker went down with injury, Emma Sangster stepped into goal defence and impressed with key intercepts and relentless pressure.
Andrea Hooker led the defensive ring with strong voice and presence, while Natalie Pritchard brought speed through the midcourt and later combined well with Alara Jones in goals.
Though the scoreboard didn’t go their way, Benalla’s heart and determination were undeniable.
Score: Benalla 17 def by Greta 84
Awards: Natalie Pritchard - Tyrepower, Andrea Hooker - Stella Stella, Emma Sangster - Benalla Racing Club
B-grade
Despite a determined effort from start to finish, the All Blacks Panthers were defeated by a strong Greta side, going down 30-76 in Saturday’s netball match.
Kirsty Eastwood was outstanding in the midcourt, showing relentless work rate and smart play to transition the ball from defence to attack.
Sarah Sangster delivered an excellent performance in wing defence, making key intercepts and providing strong communication throughout the match.
Bec Wrest impressed in the defensive circle with tireless pressure and solid coverage of her opponents.
Score: Benalla 30 def by Greta 76
Awards: Royal Hotel Best on Court - Kirsty Eastwood, Terry White Pharmacy Award - Sarah Sangster, SportsPower Award - Bec Wrest
B-reserve
The All Blacks returned home fired up and delivered a dominant 55-21 win over fifth-placed Greta.
A blistering start set the tone, with the All Blacks holding Greta to just three first-quarter goals. Taitum Hemming led the defence with trademark grit, earning best on court honours for her relentless pressure.
In attack, Bec Mathieson directed play with precision, combining seamlessly with Holly Morrison, who stepped up to support the squad.
Bri McNair was unstoppable under the post, converting consistently and pulling down rebounds to keep the scoreboard ticking.
It was a strong all-round performance and a big confidence boost heading into the back half of the season.
Score: Benalla 55 def Greta 21
Awards: Taitum Hemming - Harry Brown, Bec Mathieson - Hollywood Pizza, Bri McNair - Coffee Merchant
Under-17
The Panthers faced a challenging outing on the court at the weekend, going down to a strong Greta outfit with a final score of 19-79.
Despite the tough result, there were standout performances across the court for Benalla. Torah Heeps earned best on court honours after an impressive display that saw her start in goal attack before shifting into the mid court. She provided strong attacking options throughout the game and worked hard defensively when needed.
Amali McKenzie also showed great versatility. Beginning in her usual defensive role, McKenzie moved into the less familiar position of goal shooter and impressed with her movement and accurate shooting.
A welcome boost came in the second half from Lola Crook, who stepped up from the under 15s to support the team. Despite the pressure, she brought infectious energy and confidence, giving her all in what was a testing match for the Panthers.
Score: Benalla 19 def by Greta 79
Awards: BOC Torah Heeps - Royal Hotel, Amali McKenzie - All Blacks Club Award, Lola Crook - McDonald’s
Under-15
The 15s took to the court ready to build on last week’s momentum, facing a determined Greta side. From the first whistle, both teams brought intensity, leaving the score at 9-9 at quarter time.
Entering the second quarter, the Panthers were asked to focus on strong leads to the ball and to continue applying defensive pressure across the court, and the team did exactly that.
Working well together, they managed to gain an eight-goal lead heading into the second half of the game.
Darcie Jackson earned herself the Hollywood’s Pizza Award for her versatility in centre. She applied fantastic pressure across the court, collected multiple intercepts, and was a great option moving the ball down to the attacking circle.
Libby Renkin took home the Benalla McDonald’s Award for her solid defensive performance, shutting down Greta’s strong attack with excellent pressure and impressive rebounding. Harper Robertson received the Spot 4 Icecream Award for her communication with teammates, accurate shooting, and beautiful movement in the goal circle.
Overall, the team’s determination and effort paid off with a strong 12-goal win.
Score: Benalla 48 def Greta 36
Awards: Hollywood’s Pizza Award - Darcie Jackson, Benalla McDonalds Award - Libby Renkin, Spot 4 Icecream Award - Harper Robertson
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