Lara McConachy defends her Bonnie Doon opponent. Photos: Garry Jones.
The Benalla All Blacks under-15s faced their biggest challenge of the season at the weekend, taking on the undefeated Bonnie Doon in a highly anticipated semi-final at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve.
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Despite the formidable record of their opponent, the young Panthers showed no trepidation, clawing back from an early deficit to prevail 50-43 and book their spot in the decider at the first time of asking.
Midcourter Olivia Mullaly weighs up her options.
It didn’t look that way early, though, as Bonnie Doon started strongly, putting the All Blacks under plenty of pressure and taking a 13-7 lead into the first break.
At the quarter time break, the team was asked to keep up their defensive pressure and to keep driving onto the ball.
Lilly Hazell scans the court.
The second quarter saw the young Panthers start to settle into the game and begin to find their rhythm. With increased defensive pressure across the court and more patience in attack, the Panthers worked their way back into the contest, reducing the margin to just two goals at half time, trailing 21-23.
Benalla continued to build in the third term, working hard for one another and remaining composed under pressure, and for the first time in the contest, worked their way into the lead to take a 35-34 advantage into the final change.
Lola Crook reels the ball in.
With everything on the line in the final quarter, the Panthers continued to show determination and composure. They backed one another across the court and finished the game strongly, outscoring Bonnie Doon 15-9 in the final term to secure an impressive 50-43 win, and with it a place in the 2026 grand final.
Lara McConachy and Imogen English fly for a rebound.
It was a fantastic team performance from the young Panthers, with every player once again playing their role from attack all the way through to defence.
In the attacking circle, Lola Crook and Harper Robertson worked brilliantly together, creating space and opportunities for midcourt players Olivia Mullaly, Lilly Hazell and Sharni Hughes to feed the circle with precision.
Sharni Hughes prepares to dish off a pass.
At the defensive end, Lara McConachy and Imogen English combined beautifully in the circle, alongside Kayla Woodhams and Sophia Young, who applied strong defensive pressure and worked hard to create turnovers throughout the game.
Once the young Panthers settled into the game and found their rhythm, they worked incredibly well as a team, moving the ball down the court with composure and determination while showing plenty of grit and fight against a strong Bonnie Doon side.
Imogen English looks to move the ball out of defence.
Coach Jemma Smith could not be prouder of the way her team performed.
“Every single player showed up for each other, and it really showed on Saturday that everything we have been working on throughout the season is coming together,” she said.
“I could not be more proud of this team and the way they continue to work for one another. I’m so excited to see what they can bring to the grand final in a couple of weeks’ time.”
