There’s been some good games in Round 8 of the Goulburn Hockey Association.
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U10 vs Strikers
The Under 10s played a lovely game against Strikers leading to a 9-2 win. Bella Gilles helped the Under 10s this week and demonstrated some wonderful plays resulting in a nice five goals. Along with the other lead goalscorer Sophie Littler scored four goals herself. Teddy played a stellar game as well, helping to reduce the attack from the Strikers leaving them to only score two goals. Flynn Dowell defended and attacked well to help minimise the potential for Strikers to get through.
Goals: Bella Gillies (5), Sophie Littler (4)
U12 vs Mooroopna
The Under 12s played a close game against Mooroopna leaving them to unfortunately lose 8-5. Throughout the game Benalla was evenly matched against Mooroopna leaving to them having a close fight during the game. Within the team they shared the goal scoring opportunities around, leading to the majority of the team getting a goal, while in attack the team backed each other up to further improve their chances on goal. The team defended well against Mooroopna which reduced the potential for them to score more.
Goals: Rachel Erickson (2), William David Keen (1), Finn Thompson (1), Steele Adams (1)
Votes: Bella Gillies (3), Rachel Erickson (2), William David Keen (1)
U6A vs SYC
Benalla under 16As had a very evenly matched game against SYC. However, Benalla accuracy saw them take the win 14-6. Spectators commented on how well both teams used the boards like a pinball machine to move the ball quickly around the field
Caleb Gillies stepped in as goalie defending multiple shots from SYC and using strength to kick the ball up to the forward line where Zander Gillies used his speed to get back into defence to take the ball back into attack.
During the warm-up the team practised using the boards to deflect the ball into the spot for a shot on goal. This was translated well in the game by both Ollie and Noah Gillies both utilising this play with forwards Jacinta Woodward and Erin Jenkins gaining confidence in the centre spot position.
Goals: Noah Gillies (7), Oliver Gillies (4), Zander Gillies (2), Jacinta Woodward (1)
Votes: Noah Gillies (3), Zander Gillies (2), Caleb Gillies (1)
Women vs SYC:
The Women played a magnificent game this week against SYC leading to a strong attack for the majority of the game. From the forward line Bec Littler lead the team towards the goals multiple times, coming close to scoring a couple of times. Each attempt on goal was backed up by Heidi Perry and Jacinta Woodward to keep putting the ball back into the goal circle to have more chances on goal. Ultimately led to Katrina Brown having two lovely goals being simply pushed in each time, one after another.
Further back in the half-line, Amber Armstrong stepped into centre half. Every time SYC tried to come down the field Amber put a stop to the attack. The whole game Amber continuously halted the attack of SYC. Early in the game, Ebony Jennings as a half had a magnificent play to switch direction and reduce the potential of SYC coming down the wings.
In the back line and goals, Niki Vidler challenged SYC when they ventured down into defence, stopping the ball in the tracks. Along with Prue White in goals who kicked the ball out of the circle to the sidelines nicely preventing SYC from attacking any further. She also blocked multiple shots leading to SYC to not score as much.
Goals: Katrina Brown (2)
Votes: Amber Armstrong (3), Mel Gillies (2), Katrina Brown (1)
B Men vs Strikers:
The Benalla B Men’s team played a strong game against the Shepparton Strikers on Saturday afternoon and came away with a 7-3 win.
Club junior Zander Gillies played his first Men’s match on the wing and scored a fantastic goal in the final quarter. Zander played well out on wing helping multiple times to transfer the ball towards the goal, even assisting with a goal. Out on the other wing, Joel Hamill put up a fight against Strikers reducing their chance getting through him.
It was a tough and even first half between the two teams, with the Strikers brining some serious intensity to the game.
An early blow for Benalla was fill in goal keep Prue White sustaining an ankle injury in the first quarter. Caleb Gillies suited up for the rest of the game and did a great job.
Along with the help from Charlie Grimwade and David Chittick from the back line, minimise the attack from the Strikers.
Throughout the game, the Men played a consist attack on Strikers, leading to them having the ball most of the time.
The second half was where Benalla started to dominate the game with great teamwork and communication to pile on several unanswered goals to run out comfortable winners.
Goals: David McIntyre (2), Cameron Gillies (1), Noah Gillies (1), Zander Gillies (1), Martin Gillies (1), Andrew Glazzard (1)
Votes: Oliver Gillies (3), Cameron Gillies (2), Andrew Glazzard (1)
U16B Orange vs Strikers
Benalla Orange played a very hard-fought game against the Shepparton Strikers on Saturday.
Both team’s defences were working overtime in a narrow 4-2 loss. Goalie Alexander Orlov was sensational, stopping many shots on goal from the Strikers’ forwards.
Rotating through fullback were Liam Carroll and Amity Hurd, who both did amazing work repelling several attacks.
Alida Ferguson was fantastic on the wing finding space and getting the ball moving forward and Brodie and Kobe Rawlings were great in attack doing most of the leg work up and down the pitch for the team.
It was an even first half and the scores at half-time were 2-2. A hard fought second half saw the Strikers score 2 more goals with Benalla unable to answer.
Benalla did a brilliant job against the top of the ladder strikers to be the only team to have gotten close to them so far this season.
The final score and narrow loss reflected the tough competition that Benalla put up against SYC.
Goals: Kobe (1), Brodie Rawlings (1)
Votes: Brodie Rawlings (3), Liam Carroll (2) and Kobe Rawlings (1).
U16B Black vs GVGS
The Under 16B Black team had a lovely game against GVGS resulting in a wonderful result of a win, 12-2.
Within the forward line, Angus Hayes and Jack Chittick, quickly asserted dominance with a series of well-executed attacks which produced a combined seven goals.
However, Benalla's defence, anchored by solid performances from Annie Ferguson in goals and the other full backs, thwarted many of GVGS's attempts on goal.
Despite GVGS, they struggled to break through Benalla's defensive line and goalkeeper, who made crucial saves throughout the match.
As the game progressed, the Under 16s continued to further their attack, making more goals with accurate shots and effective passing combinations.
The Under 16s worked well together to maximise on the opportunity to have the magnificent win.
Goals: Angus Hayes (4), Jack Chittick (3), Cael Johnson (2), Falcon MacKenzie (2), Lachlan (1)
Votes: Jack Chittick (3), Angus Hayes (2), Cael Johnson (1)
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