Shining stars: Under-12 coaches awards went to Steele and goalie Brodie for fantastic defence.
Benalla Hockey Club had a successful start to the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association season over in Shepparton on Saturday, with Under-12s and one of the new Under-14 teams getting into Hockey 5s, the B-Women winning and a great return for the B-Men’s team with a draw.
Under-12 vs SYC
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Jack Chittick used the side boards well and was relentless in his pursuit of the ball, supported by Finn Thompson who scored in the third quarter.
Serenity Donoghue and Abbie Thannhauser ran hard and made some great defensive turnovers down the wings.
Steele Adams was a solid wall as a full back.
Brodie Rawlings’ quick feet as a first-time goalie saved over 15 attempts at goal.
Goals: Finn: 1.
Coaches awards to Steele and Brodie.
Under-14 Orange vs GVGS
Whack: Under-14 player Kobe goes for a big hit on goals.
Erin Jenkins and Kobe Rawlings ran hard for Under-14s, covering the whole field against the more experienced GV Grammar School.
Pavneet Kaur was strong on the wing in her debut game.
Luci Hurd positioned well, and Sophie Winkler made some great midfield turnovers.
Xavier Kramer defended well and Annie Ferguson as goalie deflected at least 20 goals, making GVGS work hard for every one they scored.
Coaches award to Kobe.
B-Women vs Euroa
Winding up: Full back Bec Littler lining up for a big hit down to the attacking circle.
The B-Women welcomes the 2023 season with an enthusiastic, supportive and determined team.
They welcomed back Eloise McDonald and Siobhan Higgins after a few year’s break, with Eloise scoring a goal off a great play through the circle by Sarah Farley.
Juniors Erin Jenkins and Jacinta Woodward bolster the attacking line-up this year, and newcomer Melanie Sezun worked hard through the midfield.
Liz Hayes had a fantastic first game, quickly learning how to turnover the ball and work in the circle as an inner.
Despite Euroa’s skilled midfield, Benalla won 1:0.
Goals: Eloise: 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 Amber Armstrong; 2 Sarah Farley, 1 Bec Littler
B-Men vs Mooroopna
Break away: Under-14 player Noah pushes through defence, with Andrew as assist.
Benalla’s B-Men’s team had a fantastic return to hockey after a brief hiatus through COVID-19.
They also welcomed juniors Oliver and Noah Gillies, Xavier Kramer and Angus Woodward into the team as speedy forwards, with Noah scoring the first goal.
The strong Mooroopna team fought well, but Benalla made their defence work hard, with multiple penalty corners and another goal from Andrew Glazzard equalling the score for a 2:2 draw.
Goals: Noah: 1, Andrew: 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 Noah Gillies; 2 Andrew Glazzard; 1 Charlie Grimwade
All junior teams play next Saturday morning, with both senior teams enjoying the bye as recovery time.
Stick 2 Hockey continues on Thursdays from 4.15 to 5.15pm, with U12-14 training 5.30-6.30pm and U17-senior training 6-7pm. New players welcome in all teams, with equipment available to try out hockey.
For more information, check out Benalla Hockey on Facebook, or email benallahockey@gmail.com
