Benalla Junior Football — Round 11

Perfect conditions greeted Benalla and Centrals at the Friendlies Reserve on Sunday morning, as Benalla looked to get back on the winners list and establish its top four credentials.

Benalla started well in the first quarter with Teddy Sheehan providing a strong contest that was missing the previous week. Hudson Pickering was dynamic at the fall of the ball, adding pressure acts to his ever-improving game. Georgia Trethowan also provided a great contest throughout the game.

Various midfield combinations powered Benalla throughout the game, with further improvement from the younger players including Jimmy Humphrey and the Staggard twins, Ron and Ben. Jack Hart continued his stellar form, playing multiple positions on the ground and slotting a game high three majors and setting up multiple scoring opportunities.

Sam Mount and Tom Snell provided sound defence and aggressive pressure, quite often turning that into fast attacking rebound football. Logan Mihan listened to the coaches instruction by creating a strong contest when getting his chance forward, and eventually getting reward late with a fantastic running goal.

Final score: Benalla Red 7.7 (49) def Centrals 1.1 (7)

Goals: Jack Hart 3, Teddy Sheehan, Hudson Pickering, Manny Bourke, Logan Mihan

Best players: Jack Hart, Samuel Mount, Xavier Beriman, Brayden Jacobs, Angus Roscoe, Jimmy Humphrey

Under-12s — Benalla Black vs College

Round 11 saw Benalla Black welcome College at the Friendlies Reserve. With Benalla looking to continue a four-game winning streak, the home side started well with a few early goals to lead by two majors at quarter-time.

In what was a very hard fought and tight second quarter, Benalla managed to wrestle control and kick another two goals, extending the lead to three goals at half-time.

College threw everything it had at Benalla in the third quarter, although the defence held firm to repel many attacks. Kayden Randell and Jackson Quarrell led the defence superbly to keep College to just one goal for the game.

With even contributions across the field, Benalla went on to win by 27 points in a solid team performance.

Final score: Benalla Black 5.6 (36) def College 1.3 (9)

Goals: Oliver Parker 2, Jimmy Jackson 2, Tyson Brown

Best players: Kayden Randell, Lincoln Richardson, Tyson Brown, Joshua Bamford, Oliver Parker, Poppy Wilson

Under-14s — Benalla Red vs Mansfield Blue

The frost of the morning lay across the Eagle Nest sparkling like a still lake awaiting a morning ski. Ruck Charlie Pollard slapped the Sherrin across the bejewelled glass and the game had begun.

Mansfield Blue’s hands adjusted very well to the slippery conditions with a one handball and kick game, leading seven goals to zip at quarter-time, with a regroup and challenge set for a simpler more accountable game.

Noah Hogan committed to each contest with pride, Harry Skelton’s halter skelter desperation continued to inspire and Xavier DeFazio’s repeated efforts were as reliable as a McLaren Vale Red.

Charlie Pollard played a wonderful game in the ruck, adding some impressive forward craft to his resume, while Hayley Ziebel provided fierce options up forward and Riley McCarthy used every tool in his toolbox to thwart the Eagles forwards.

While there were some moments of real competition and exciting play, the objective is to narrow the gap between the best and worst efforts. Mansfield Eagles put in a fine performance, but another challenge awaits against Benalla Blacks next Sunday.

Final score: Benalla Red 3.6 (24) def by Mansfields Blue 22.15 (147)

Goals: Cash Nolen, Noah Cooney, Charlie Pollard

Best players: Noah Hogan, Xavier De Fazio, Harrison Skelton, Riley McCarthy, Noah Cooney, Charlie Pollard

Under-14s — Benalla Black vs Centrals

Benalla played host to Centrals on a cool Sunday morning, with a focus on giving an honest effort at every contest.

Black got off to a quick start, as Hudson Blyss dominated the ruck contests with beneficiaries Kobi Thwaites and Ryan White busy early, as Kobi’s sheer determination willed him to numerous contests, and Ryan’s hard running was rewarded with two goals.

Josh Montgomery was at times impassable at centre-half-back, his run and carry resulting in many deep forward 50 entries for Benalla.

Under-12 players Ollie Parker, Jakobi Williams and Alex Lambert stepped up to help Black field a team, as each played their role and did not seem to be out of place at under-14 level, while both Ollie and Jakobi managed to kick a goal each.

At the main break Benalla held onto a nine-point lead and the challenge was to maintain the intensity.

Centrals lifted a cog and Benalla was unable to match the lift in tempo, Charlie Bell was repelling may of Centrals’ attacks and if not for the pressure applied by the back six the game could have blown out.

Tom Osborne, who had refused to take a backwards step all day, was still working as hard as ever, breaking packs open and laying some strong tackles. Although Black never gave in, Centrals was able to come away 25-point winners.

Final score: Benalla Black 4.1 (25) def by Centrals 6.14 (50)

Goals: Ryan White 2, Ollie Parker, Jakobi Williams

Best players: Kobi Thwaites, Joshua Montgomery, Ryan white, Tom Osborne, Charlie Bell, Hudson Blyss

Under-17s — Benalla vs Centrals

It was a sunny winter's day when the under-17 Benalla team faced off against Centrals.

The first quarter was tightly contested, with just one kick separating the two teams. In the second quarter, Centrals took control, dominating the field.

The damage was done, and Benalla struggled to keep up. Unfortunately, Ryder Levy had to leave the game early due to a dislocated finger.

Despite the challenges, Bryce Cooney was fearless on the wing and across the back line, repeatedly thwarting the opposition's scoring opportunities. Christian Squires maintained his good form, adding three goals to his name.

Josh Hart also stood out, causing headaches for the Centrals midfield as he broke through lines and pushed the ball forward. Toby Reeve kicked his first goal of the season, and he says there will be more to come.

In the end, it was a disappointing result for Benalla. The team will need to put in much more effort in the remaining games. However, there are still some winnable matches in the coming weeks, offering a chance for redemption.

Final score: Benalla 5.2 (32) def by Centrals 16.15 (111)

Goals: Christian Squires 3, Toby Reeve, Dustin McCarthy

Best players: Josh Hart, Christian Squires, Sam Gates, Bryce Cooney, Mitchell Cooney, Xavier Rhodes