Solid: Under-16s hockey player Zander Gillies slaps a stick pass to a teammate. Photo: Lee Manning
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Lee Manning
Benalla Hockey Club had a very successful first round to hit off the 2024 Goulburn Valley Hockey Association competition, with lots of goals and new players contributing to some great team plays.
Under-10 vs Shepparton Christian College (SCC)
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With the assistance of some Shepparton H2H players and coaching by Olly, Benalla’s under-10s spread out and passed the ball well in their first game. New player Flynn Dowell made some fantastic steals and a great run to score a goal. Phoenix Erickson positioned well to receive, and Teddy’s defensive experience showed against the more experienced SCC side. Goals: Flynn Dowell: 1.
Under-12 vs Echuca
Goalie Steele made some fantastic saves, with Bella consistently moving the ball forward, creating many shots on goal. She scored the first goal, with a celebratory dance to entertain the crowd. Echuca fought back with two in the net. Abbie found her groove using the side and back boards for deflections. First-time players William Keen and Rachel Erickson both finished off great team plays to score two more goals, making the sideline roar. William was able to sneak a second behind the goalie to take the win 4:2.
Goals: William Keen: 2, Bella Gillies: 1, Rachel Erickson: 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes to: Bella Gillies: 3, William Keen: 2, Abbie Thannhauser: 1.
Under-16B Orange vs Echuca
Right from the get-go everyone played with fantastic enthusiasm and great teamwork. Kobe and Amity were fantastic in the wings, finding lots of space. Xavier and Brodie put pressure on all over the field and played in all positions, setting up multiple team goals. Liam and Alida were rock solid in defence hardly letting the younger Echuca team through. Alexander was fantastic in goals deflecting many of Echuca’s attempts, to secure the comfortable 16:3 win.
Umpire best and fairest votes to: Kobe Rawlings: 3, Liam Carroll: 2, Brodie Rawlings: 1.
Shot: Benalla Hockey player Amber Armsstrong shoots for goal. Photo: Supplied
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Supplied
Under-16B Black — Bye
Under-16A vs Goulburn Valley Grammar School (GVGS)
Everyone worked well to make space for all players in the evenly matched game. Gillies brothers Olly, Noah and Zander worked together to make dynamic plays, with Zander stepping up for the first time in under-16s. Jacinta connected the defence and attack and Erin made her way into open space to score an early goal. First-time goalie Angus blocked multiple skilful aerial shots from the attacking GV Grammar, ensuring the win 18:15.
Umpire best and fairest votes to: Zander Gillies: 3, Noah Gillies: 2, Jacinta Woodward: 1.
Women vs Echuca
Benalla presented some defying defensive skills, especially towards a strong attacking Echuca. Ebony Jennings, Siobhan Higgins and Mel Gilles always presented a fight, stopping Echuca in their tracks in Benalla’s defensive half. Prue White put up a fight in goals, removing a lot of attempts out of the goal circle. Liz Hayes along the wing became like a wall where she stopped multiple free hits from Echuca, slowing the game down. Benalla also played a marvellous game in attack, where Bec Littler, Jacinta Woodward and Jacqueline Aylan-Parker worked together to set up a multitude of attacks upon Echuca’s goal, coming close many times. Throughout the half-back line, Amber Armstrong, Sophie Morton and Lee Manning helped prevent the ball from closing in on the goal. Even though playing a competitive and impressive game, Benalla lost 0:1.
Umpire best and fairest votes to: Ebony Jennings: 3; Mel Gillies: 2; Eloise McDonald: 1.
Benalla men vs Echuca
The men’s team played a marvellous game where they were on the attacking foot throughout the game, winning with an astounding score of 8:1. Benalla played a well-rounded match throughout, providing some lovely plays between both defence and attack which reflected upon the result. The astounding score was provided by great teamwork resulting in goals scored by five players.
Goals to Dave McIntyre: 3; Noah Gillies: 2, Joel Hamill: 1, Shaun Findlow: 1, Angus Woodward: 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes to: Olly Gillies: 3; Noah Gillies: 2; Dave McIntyre: 1.
New players are welcome in all teams, please email benallahockey@gmail.com or see Benalla Hockey on Facebook for more information.
