Netball
A Grade
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A Grade was set for a big game as the team celebrated Alara Jones’ incredible 300 club games milestone, and the girls didn’t disappoint, hitting hard from the very first whistle. It was a fast-paced and composed contest, with the All Blacks going goal for goal with Moyhu throughout the match.
Strong defensive pressure right across the court proved to be the difference, allowing the team to win plenty of ball and convert effectively in the goal ring. Consistency in all thirds saw the girls maintain control and ultimately come away with a well-earned 45-40 victory.
Chelsea Gilcrist was outstanding in goal keeper, dominating with numerous intercepts and rebounds and proving to be a strong presence all game. Bronti Mustey delivered her best performance yet for the Blacks, using her body well and applying pressure to force crucial turnovers.
Captain Gertie McCallum led from the front with a solid four-quarter effort in centre, working tirelessly in defence and transitioning seamlessly into attack, delivering precise feeds to the goalers. Aneiki Pierce also impressed in wing attack, working hard across the midcourt to create turnovers and driving the ball forward with purpose.
A fantastic team performance to mark a special milestone.
Score: Benalla 45 def Moyhu 40
Awards: Chelsea Gilcrist, Bronti Mustey, Gertie McCallum, Aneiki Pierce
B Grade
B Grade went into this week's game with a fire in their belly, ready to take on Moyhu and come away with their first win. Celebrating Mel Reaper's 400th club game was a big reason to get out there.
The first quarter showed the determination with the attacking players turning up their defensive pressure down the court and getting tips, intercepts and turnovers. Jemma Smith and Courtney Sammon continued their strong connection in the ring with Mel Reaper and Tiahna Neal using precise passing into the circle. The scores were even at quarter time.
The seconnd and third quarters went goal for goal with Moyhu up by one at half time and the All Blacks reversing the dficit to be up by one at three-quarter time.
The defensive end came alive in the last quarter with Kristy Hanrahan and fill-in Imogen Randall working overtime to get rebound after rebound, allowing the All Blacks to come away with their first win of the season, 35 to 33.
Score: Benalla 35 def Moyhu 33
Awards: Royal Hotel - Jemma Smith, Sports Power/McDonald’s - Courtney Sammon, Thursday Night Dinner - Kristy Hanrahan
B Reserve
Benalla All Blacks B Reserve side delivered a determined performance on Saturday, narrowly going down to Moyhu by just one goal, 25-26, in a thrilling contest.
Undermanned with three players out, Benalla was bolstered by the inclusion of under-17 standouts Alicia Langlands and Libby Renkin, who stepped up impressively in the defensive circle. Their pressure and ability to force turnovers played a crucial role in keeping the side competitive throughout the match.
Additional support from fill-ins Renae Hughes, Lauren Morris and Natalie Pritchard ensured the team maintained strong structure across the court.
Moyhu capitalised early, using defensive pressure to create turnovers and establish a lead in the opening two quarters. However, Benalla’s relentless pressure and consistency saw them fight their way back into the contest. The final quarter proved a nail-biter, with both sides going goal for goal in a high-intensity finish, before Moyhu edged ahead by a single point at the final whistle.
The All Blacks showed outstanding effort across both attacking and defensive ends. Grace Morrison was awarded third best, receiving the Club Thursday Night Dinner award, with her performance in goal shooter highlighting her consistency and ability to adapt under pressure. Isabella Smith earned second best honours and the SportsPower/McDonald’s award, shooting accurately in challenging windy conditions and providing a reliable presence in goals.
Best on court went to Natalie Pritchard, who took home the Royal Hotel award. Her impact through the centre and defensive transitions was outstanding, with her game awareness, ability to read play and consistent turnovers proving invaluable in a dominant all-round performance.
Despite the narrow loss, the result marks a significant improvement for Benalla and reflects a promising trajectory for the remainder of the season
Score: Benalla 25 def by Moyhu 26
Awards: Natalie Pritchard - Royal Hotel, Isabella Smith - SportsPower/McDonald’s, Grace Morrison - Thursday Night Dinner
Under 17s
The under-17s had an outstanding game against Moyhu, fighting hard from start to finish and working tirelessly across the court. It was a challenging day, with some very tough calls, but the girls showed great resilience and determination throughout. Despite their efforts, they went down 40-48 at the final whistle.
Alicia Langlands was a standout in wing attack, providing a strong presence on the court with multiple intercepts and delivering the ball with precision into the goal circle. Keira Brown had an excellent game in goal shooter, holding strong under pressure and shooting accurately, contributing 29 of the team’s 40 goals. In defence, Libby Renkin worked relentlessly in goal defence, disrupting play, taking important intercepts, and driving the ball forward into attack.
Overall, a fantastic team effort against strong opposition.
Score: Benalla 40 def by Moyhu 48
Awards: Alicia Langlands, Keira Brown, Libby Renkin
Under 15s
The Benalla All Blacks under-15s side continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 52-26 victory over Moyhu at home in round three.
It was an impressive four quarter performance, with the All Blacks displaying excellent teamwork, composure, and consistency. The side moved the ball efficiently through the court, linking well into attack, while sustained defensive pressure created numerous turnovers and limited Moyhu’s scoring opportunities.
Sharni Hughes was named best on court following an outstanding performance in a physical contest. Hughes applied relentless defensive pressure, forcing multiple turnovers and securing several intercepts. Her ability to transition the ball into attack, combined with her leadership and direction in defence, proved instrumental in the team’s success.
Harper Robertson also impressed with her composure and work rate, providing a steady presence on court. Her defensive efforts and team-first approach were highlights, consistently supporting her teammates and maintaining strong ball movement in attacking areas.
Kayla Woodhams rounded out the best players with a determined performance in defence. She read the play exceptionally well, collecting multiple intercepts and demonstrating clear improvement, applying the skills developed at training.
The young Panthers will look to carry this momentum into the coming rounds and will continue their hard work at training
Score: Benalla 52 def Moyhu 26
Awards: Sharni Hughes - Harley’s Pizza Award, Harper Robertson - Spot 4 Icecream Award, Kayla Woodhams - Benalla McDonald’s Award
Football
Seniors
Moyhu proved too strong for Benalla in their senior clash, pulling away as the game wore on to secure a solid victory.
All Blacks showed plenty of intent early, matching Moyhu around the contest and moving the ball with purpose. The midfield worked hard all day, led by the consistent efforts of Sam Cox and Chelton Orchard, who battled strongly in tight and provided plenty of drive for their side.
Youngster Spencer Hunter impressed on the wing, using his pace and work rate to provide an option in space and link up play between the arcs. His performance continues to highlight his development and growing confidence at senior level.
Campbell Drury was another standout for Benalla, proving valuable as a swingman. Whether stationed in defence or thrown forward, Drury competed well and made an impact at both ends of the ground.
First-year player Jamahl McDonald also showed encouraging signs, continuing to develop and adapt to the tempo of senior football with another solid contribution.
Despite these positives, Moyhu’s class and depth began to show as the match progressed. They were able to capitalise on their opportunities and maintain pressure, eventually breaking the game open to run out deserved winners.
The All Blacks will take plenty of positives from the performance but will be looking to build consistency across four quarters in the weeks ahead.
Scores
Benalla: 0.0, 2.1, 3.2, 3.2 (20)
Moyhu: 4.5, 7.10, 13.14, 21.21 (147)
Awards: Harry Brown - Chelton Orchard, Royal Hotel - Sam Cox, Tyre Power/McDonalds - Spencer Hunter
Reserves
The Benalla All Blacks reserves endured a difficult day, going down 1.0 (6) to 20.19 (139).
Despite constant pressure, the All Blacks continued to compete. Bailey Lepenik was best on ground with a tough, in-and-under performance, while in the backline David Whitechurch and Dylan Whitelaw-Orton worked hard all day under heavy pressure.
Scores
Benalla: 0.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0 (6)
Moyhu: 4.7, 8.10, 15.13, 20.19 (139)
Awards: Golf Club Award - David Whitechurch, Kebab Boys Award - Angus Scott, Best on (Royal Hotel) - Bailey Lepenik