The Benalla All Blacks under-15s side was crowned Ovens and King premiers at the weekend, defeating Bonnie Doon 53-42 at WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta. Photos: Garry Jones.
A fantastic team effort from the Benalla All Blacks under-15s saw the young Panthers finish an incredible season as 2026 Ovens and King premiers, defeating Bonnie Doon 53-42 at WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta on Saturday.
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After defeating Bonnie Doon in the semi-final, Benalla knew they would come out hungry and ready for another tough contest. Bonnie Doon started strongly, gaining an early two-goal lead in the opening minutes, but that didn’t stop the young Panthers. The girls worked hard to gain control of the game, settling into some strong, composed netball and taking a 15-12 lead into quarter time.
Bonnie Doon came out firing in the second quarter, applying strong defensive pressure and making Benalla work extremely hard for every possession. The Panthers continued to fight and work for one another, but Bonnie Doon managed to level the scores at 23-23 heading into half time, setting up a huge second half.
The third quarter saw Benalla step up. From goal shooter all the way down to goal keeper, every player played their role. The girls worked together to transition the ball from the defensive circle, through the midcourt and into attack with much more patience and composure. Their hard work paid off, allowing the Panthers to take a 38-33 lead into the final break.
At three-quarter time, the message was simple - continue to apply strong defensive pressure, stay composed and calmly work the ball into the attacking circle. With fantastic teamwork, unreal defensive pressure and composure from everyone on court, the girls got the job done. Benalla continued to work hard right until the final whistle, finishing with an incredible 53-42 grand final victory.
Harper Robertson receives a pass from Lola Crook inside the circle.
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Imogen English scans for a teammate.
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Lilly Hazell reels in the ball.
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Lola Crook controls a high ball.
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Co-captain Sharni Hughes, coach Jemma Smith and co-captain Harper Robertson celebrate with the premiership cup.
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Sharni Hughes moves the ball on with speed.
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Lara McConachy applies the pressure to her Bonnie Doon opponent.
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Renae Hughes, Georgia Spencer, Olivia Mullaly, coach Jemma Smith, Sophia Young and Aneiki Pierce celebrate on the sidelines.
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Sophia Young takes possession.
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Harper Robertson looks for an option.
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Imogen English contests the ball.
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Sophia Young offloads to a teammate.
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Aneiki Pierce with best on court medallist Lola Crook.
Lola Crook and Harper Robertson once again proved their strength in the attacking circle, combining beautifully with fantastic movement and accurate shooting.
Sharni Hughes put together a strong four-quarter performance in centre, working tirelessly for the entire game with fantastic feeds and intense defensive pressure. She was well supported through the midcourt by Olivia Mullaly and Lilly Hazell in attack, while Sophia Young and Kayla Woodhams worked hard defensively. Together, they played an important role in transitioning the ball through the midcourt and creating opportunities at both ends of the court.
Imogen English and Lara McConachy had a fantastic defensive game, working incredibly hard together to create multiple turnovers and regain possession. Their defensive pressure gave Benalla plenty of opportunities to transition the ball back down the court and convert in attack.
It was an incredible team performance, with every single player contributing, backing each other and playing their role when it mattered most.
Coach Jemma Smith could not be prouder of these amazing young women. To see everything we have worked on throughout the season come together and get the result we did has been super special. Their hard work, commitment and belief in each other has been amazing to see, and they well and truly earned this win.
To have so much support behind us from our amazing club, families and supporters is something I will never be able to put into words. To share such a special moment with everyone who has supported these girls throughout the season made our grand final victory even more special.
