Under-12s - Benalla Black vs Tigers
Benalla Black under-12s travelled to Wangaratta to play last Year's reigning premiers, the Tigers, in their first game of the season.
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Benalla started slowly, and the Tigers got off to a fast start. There were a lot of good signs from a few first-year players, which will hold Benalla in good standing for the rest of the season.
There were four individual goal scorers for the game, which was a good indication of great teamwork.
Benalla was down at three-quarter time, but the kids fought it out to the end to win the last quarter.
It was a 41-point loss in the end, with some great debuts from the first-year players.
Final score: Benalla Black 4.2 (26) def by Tigers 9.13 (67).
Goals: Jimmy Jackson, Joshua Bamford, Jack Davies, Jakobi Williams
Best: Jakobi Williams, Jack Christie, Bentley Parker, Jimmy Jackson, Max Yeun-Francis, Matthew White.
Under-12s - Benalla Red v Imperials
The new-look Benalla Red under-12s hosted Imperials on a cool and sunny Saturday morning at the Benalla Showgrounds.
Imperials were too strong for Benalla Red for the opening round. All players played extremely well against the stronger team.
Final score: Benalla Red 1.1 (7) def by Imperials 9.10 (64).
Goals: Jack Hart.
Best: Tom Snell, Jack Hart, Sam Mount, Robin Arnold, Hudson Pickering, Manny Bourke, Louis Horne and Jimmy Humphrey.
Under-14s - Benalla Black vs Tigers
Benalla Black was greeted by perfect conditions at Wangaratta’s HP Barr Reserve for the season opener against Tigers.
There was a sense of anticipation and excitement in the rooms, and after a big pre-season Black were champing at the bit to get out onto the field and showcase their skills.
The game was played at a high intensity and skill level with Black transitioning the ball from defence to attack with some fantastic passages of play.
Josh Montgomery and Kobi Thwaites were leading the way for Black, and the defensive unit led by Luke Boulton and the speedy Nicholas White were rock solid.
The forwards were busy and creative. Ryder Humphries was a focal point competing and bringing the ball to ground, giving the likes of Hugh Ross first use of the football.
Jackson Fry had been busy on the wing and relished his time on the ball, driving it deep into attack.
The Tigers kept on coming at Black all day, and in what was a very entertaining match to watch, Black ran out 10-point victors.
A special mention to Jakobi Williams and Alex Lambert who stepped up from the under-12s to help Black field a side.
Final scores: Benalla Black 8.11 (59) def Tigers 6.13 (49).
Goals: Jackson Fry, Ryder Humpries, Charlie Bell, Kobi Thwaites, Ollie Wardill 2, Ryan White, Hugh Ross.
Best: Jackson Fry, Hugh Ross, Josh Montgomery, Kobi Thwaites, Hugh Ross, Nicholas, White, Ryder Humphries.
Under-14s Benalla Reds vs Imperials
The Benalla Reds met Imperials on Benalla Showgrounds oval.
Harry Skelton and Riley McCarthy led the team onto the ground as captain and vice-captain.
Harry and Riley embraced their formal titles with four-quarters of hard work, skill and unyielding positivity.
With the theme of ‘Enjoy it’ whispered across the ground, the entire team appeared to just love playing footy with their mates.
Highlights for the day included the cool heads of the back six Noah Cooney, Angus Leavold, Charlie Bowen, Harry Bast, Lucas Webster and Riley McCarthy.
On-ballers ran hard all day. DeFazio, Hogan, Pollard, Skelton and Mount were brilliant.
Sean Hurley celebrated his first game of AFL with a hard-fought victory and roaring rendition of ‘Join in the chorus and sing it one and all. Join in the chorus Benalla’s on the ball.’
Final score: Benalla Reds: 6.8 (44) def Imperials: 2.4 (16).
Goals: Thomas Mount 3, Xavier DeFazio, Harry Skelton, Cash Nolan.
Best: Noah Hogan, Thomas Mount Harry Skelton, Sean Hurley, Harry Bowen, Hayley Ziebell.
Under-17s Benalla vs Imperials
The Benalla under-17s couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to kick off the season with a home game at the showgrounds.
Lucas Ham hit the scoreboard early, and the supporters’ hopes were definitely high.
Unfortunately, Benalla didn't add to that score until the third with a minor.
It didn't feel one-sided, as Benalla had a lot of possession but couldn't convert.
The result was that there is plenty of areas to focus on in training and lots of positives to come out of the game.
Final score: Benalla 1.1 (7) def by Imperials 11.21 (87).
Goals: Lucas Ham.
Best: Josh Mathieson, Mitchell Cooney, Josh Hart, Logan Hyland, Sam Gates, Ryder Levy.
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