Football
Seniors
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The young Panthers took on a strong Milawa outfit on the weekend, with the home team doing most of the damage across the opening three quarters before the Panthers showed some real grit and fight in the final term.
Once again Sam Cox was clearly the Panthers best, working tirelessly around the contest and refusing to lower his colours all day. Riley Kego continued his strong form in the ruck, competing hard and giving the midfield first use when possible.
Youngsters Jesse Liddington and Jaxon Brunner continue to grow in confidence and stature each week, with their leg speed and willingness to take the game on providing some much-needed drive and energy for the Panthers.
Up forward, Josh Dobbie and Spencer Hunter were dangerous targets all afternoon, finishing with three and four goals respectively to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Captain David Button and Jesse Walker battled hard through the middle despite the weight of numbers and pressure applied by the opposition.
While the final margin was shaped heavily by the opening three quarters, the last quarter showed exactly what this young Panthers side is capable of when the intensity, pressure and ball movement are switched on.
The Panthers dominated the final term, leaving many to ask the question - why can’t this happen earlier when the game is truly on the line?
The signs are there for this young group, and if they can bring that final-quarter effort for four quarters, results will come.
Score: Benalla 13.7 (85) def by Milawa 19.16 (130)
Awards: Sam Cox, Riley Kego, Jesse Liddington
Reserves
Benalla Panthers and Milawa Demons delivered a cracking contest, with both sides battling hard all day in a match that stayed neck and neck right to the final siren. Neither team gave an inch as the momentum swung back and forth, setting up a thrilling finish.
Milawa managed to edge ahead late and hold on under pressure, coming away with a gutsy five-point win.
For Benalla Panthers, Campbell Drury starred through the midfield, working tirelessly and giving Benalla plenty of good looks at goal. Kirk Holden stood tall in the forward line, clunking strong marks and finishing with four goals to keep the Panthers right in the contest. Patty Scott showed his class and experience throughout the day, using his skill to create heaps of opportunities for his teammates.
Score: Benalla 9.7 (61) def by Milawa 9.12 (66)
Awards: Royal Hotel Award - Campbell Drury, Benalla Racing Club - Kirk Holden, All Blacks Dinner - Patty Scott
Netball
A Grade
Sitting seventh on the ladder, the girls knew Saturday’s match-up against the sixth-placed Milawa side was always going to be a tough contest. A slow start meant Benalla was playing catch-up from the opening whistle, and the game quickly turned into a physical battle across the court.
Fighting hard until the very end, the girls trailed by just 10 goals heading into the final quarter, but Milawa proved too strong late in the game, running away with a 61-37 win.
Chelsea Gilcrist once again earned best-on-court honours, showcasing her talent, composure and netball knowledge every minute she was on the court. Chelsea’s direction, leadership and relentless work rate continue to set the standard for the side.
Bronti Mustey was also among the best, working tirelessly in defence and through the midcourt, playing a crucial role in the team’s transition from defence to attack. Her effort and determination could not be questioned.
Maddie Burgess featured among the best players for the second week in a row, with her netball knowledge and strong direction in the attacking end proving invaluable for the team. Maddie’s ability to organise play, create options and steady the attack is continuing to make a big impact each week.
Score: Benalla 37 def by Milawa 61
Best: Chelsea Gilcrist, Bronti Mustey, Maddie Burgess
B Grade
B Grade came up against a very young and fit Milawa side this week. The All Blacks started strongly, matching Milawa’s intensity in the opening quarter and trailed by just two goals at the first break. Milawa came out firing in the second and third quarters, proving too strong and eventually running away with the game to claim a 55-24 victory.
Despite the scoreboard, there were plenty of positives to take away. Best on court went to Emma Sangster, who was pushed from pillar to post but showed great composure and determination all game.
Second best was awarded to Mel Reaper, the ever-consistent player whose hard work often goes unnoticed but is invaluable to the team.
Third best went to Kristy Hanrahan, who continues to impress with her willingness to learn, listening to feedback and applying it out on court.
Score: Benalla 24 def by Milawa 55
Awards: Terry White Chemist - Emma Sangster, All Blacks Thursday Dinner - Mel Reaper, SportsPower - Kristy Hanrahan
B Reserve
The Benalla All Blacks B Reserve faced a strong challenge against Milawa at the weekend, with the girls unable to quite match the intensity across the four quarters.
A flat first half allowed Milawa to take control early, with the opposition wanting the ball more and capitalising on their opportunities. Despite the result, there were positives to take away, with girls posting their highest score of the season so far and showing patches of the netball they are capable of.
Best on court went to Olive Moon, who took on a very tall shooter and applied relentless pressure all game. Olive listened to every bit of feedback given and covered the court brilliantly.
Second best was awarded to Greer Mitchell, who continues to impress in her first season of netball. Her ability to read the play, fight for the ball and create pressure in defence was outstanding.
Third best went to fill-in Holly Morrison, who stepped up in the centre position and played with plenty of heart. Holly was instrumental through the middle and lifted when the side needed it most.
Score: Benalla 33 def by Milawa 57
Best: Olive Moon, Greer Mitchell, Holly Morrison
Under 17s
The under-17s were looking to redeem themselves after a few disappointing performances in recent weeks, and the Panthers responded in the best possible way.
Digging deep and fighting hard right until the final whistle, the girls came away with a well-earned 39-35 victory over Milawa to take the four points.
Libby Renkin was a standout, showcasing her bullet-like passing and incredible ability to always provide the next option in attack. Defensively, Libby consistently applied pressure to her opponent and worked overtime to force turnovers and regain possession for her team.
Alicia Langlands was once again outstanding, owning the WA position with her strong drives and precise feeds into the ring. Her relentless pressure across the midcourt continues to be a huge asset to the team.
Darcie Jackson delivered one of her best performances of the season, taking all feedback on board and applying it brilliantly on court. Her effort, determination and willingness to compete at every contest played a major role in the team’s success.
Score: Benalla 39 def Milawa 35
Under 15s
Round nine saw the young Panthers travel to Milawa and come away with a fantastic 71-24 win after a true team performance. It was rewarding to see the team put their hard work at training into action on game day.
The ball movement down the court into attack was outstanding, with midcourt players Lilly Hazell, Sharni Hughes and Olivia Mullaly delivering quick and accurate feeds into shooters Lola Crook and Harper Robertson, who worked beautifully together in the ring.
Defensively, the Panthers applied relentless pressure across the entire court, with Imogen English, Jorja Leask, Lara McConachy and Kayla Woodhams all working well together to pressure Milawa and create numerous turnover opportunities.
Score: Benalla 71 def Milawa 24
Awards: Harley’s Pizza Award - Harper Robertson, Benalla McDonalds/All Blacks Club Award - Lara McConachy, Chill Out Smoothie Bar Award - Olivia Mullaly, Thursday Night Dinner - Imogen English