Finn halts an under-13 Strikers Blue run at the top of the goal circle, supported by Sophie. Photo: Winnie He.
Round 13 of the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association competition saw the Benalla Hockey Club experience the full spectrum of results with a win, loss and a draw from three games.
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Under 13s vs Strikers Blue
Rachel makes a fast break down the wing during the under-13s clash, with Madeleine waiting in support. Photo: Winnie He.
Benalla’s under-13s played a highly competitive and exciting game, with plenty of teamwork on display despite being one player short on the field due to illness.
Goalie Hayden was strong, making some important high saves and directing the defence as Strikers put pressure on. His communication was essential in keeping Benalla organised and in the contest.
At fullback, Phoenix made well-timed tackles to win possession early, before driving the ball out wide and reliably turning defensive play into goal scoring opportunities.
Captain Rachel led from centre forward, linking up with her teammates through accurate passing and supporting both defence and attack, with an early goal off a penalty corner putting the call out to Strikers.
Finn stepped forward as a midfielder, contributing to several scoring opportunities with good deflections in the goal circle
Madeline again excelled in chasing the ball down with multiple successful tackles, then pushed wide to stretch the Strikers defence and create space for her teammates.
Sophie had one of her best games of the season, capitalising on her teammates good passes and perseverance in the goal circle to sneak a great goal, and later making a fast break across the circle to slot a late goal in past the goalie to even the score.
Benalla continued to push for the entire game, with the 3-3 draw a well-earned reward for the effort and teamwork shown across the game.
Goals: Sophie Littler 2, Rachel Erickson 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Madeleine Wright, 2 - Phoenix Erickson, 1 - Sophie Littler.
Under 16s vs SCC/Mooroopna
Breanna runs to pressure the ball, while Cael, goalie Annie, Rory and Jack defend the under-16s goal during an SCC/Mooroopna penalty corner. Photo: Pria Jenkin.
The under-16s ran hard in a nine-a-side game against SCC/Mooroopna.
Jack had a great game as a high centre-half, pushing up through the middle after forcing turnovers, and scoring an early goal off a fast hit in from the top of the circle.
Steele covered the wing well, assisting in the circle across to Breanna who scored from a fast slap-hit past a defender and under the goalie’s foot.
Opposing wing Ineke made a fast break in for a goal off her recently developed back-stick pass, and Indi scored off a penalty corner.
SCC showed nice ball skills, but Benalla-SYC’s speed and teamwork successfully disrupted their plays down the field, with half-back Rory and captain Cooper channelling effectively and full back Cael his usual wall of defence.
Goalie Annie made some skilled saves on the post, to ensure the 5-0 win.
Goals: Jack Chittick 1, Ineke Walsh 1, Breanna Graham 1, Indi Turner 1.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Jack Chittick, 2 - Breanna Graham, 1 - Ineke Walsh.
Women’s SYC vs Mooroopna
The warm afternoon sun sapped the SYC Women’s stamina, with a concentrated defence required all game to hold Mooroopna to just seven goals.
Fullback Amber made great clearances from the circle, but was constantly thwarted by Mooroopna’s effective blockage of 16-yard free hits.
Jacinta also actively defended the circle, and assisted in running the ball forwards for SYC’s only goal, while Lee had limited success in covering the midfield and tried to find space to push forwards.
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