Football

Seniors

Benalla faced a tough outing at home, going down to a dominant Bonnie Doon side 32 to 174. The Panthers showed early intent, trailing by just two goals at quarter time, but couldn’t match Bonnie Doon's strength for the remainder of the game.

Despite the scoreline, there were bright spots and some good sharp plays. Jesse Walker was tireless on the wing, while Kieran Linke showed strong endurance and linked up play well. In defence, David Nero stood firm under constant pressure, working hard to hold the backline together.

Final score: Benalla 4.8 (32) def by Bonnie Doon 26.18 (174)

Awards: Tyre Power award - Jesse Walker, Royal Hotel award - Kieran Linke, Sports Power award - David Nero

Reserves

Undermanned with just 17 players, Benalla faced a tough task against Bonnie Doon, who started strongly and kept the pressure on all game, showcasing their quality and setting the benchmark that we are striving for.

Mack Bodsworth battled bravely at full back, while Tyrone Dellar impressed across multiple positions. Blake Marlborough added pace and created chances, but we couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard.

Bonnie Doon proved too strong, taking a big win.

Final score: Benalla 0.6 (6) def by Bonnie Doon 30.14 (194)

Awards: Mack Bodsworth - Harry Brown, Tyrone Dellar - Stella Stella, Blake Marlborough - The Coffee Merchant

Netball

A-grade

Benalla hit the court with fire and determination, making it clear they’re not to be underestimated.

In a high-intensity, 60-minute showdown, the team showcased skill, grit, and unity, clinching what would have been a nail-biting 49–48 victory only to have it later ruled a draw due to a score sheet dispute.

Stepping into the captain’s role, Jessie Ellis was nothing short of outstanding. A commanding presence across the court, she impressed with her sharp intercepts, disciplined defensive pressure in the circle, and flawless footwork that anchored the team’s backline.

Co-coach Georgia Spencer earned high praise from her teammates for a standout performance in goal attack. She disrupted opposition plays through the midcourt, turned over crucial possessions, and delivered an imposing display in the goal ring, netting 31 goals and making the attacking circle her own.

Gertie McCallum had a breakout performance, standing tall and making her mark with strong, decisive drives. Her feeding into the circle was exceptional, helping to maintain flow and pressure throughout the game.

Despite the official ruling, All Blacks walk away with their heads high. The team sees the weekend as a win in every sense and with performances like this, they’re clearly out to make a statement for the rest of the season.

Final score: Benalla 49 drew Bonnie Doon 49

Awards: Elyse Felstead - TyrePower, Harry Brown - Meagan Hausner, Taitum Hemming - Sportspower

B-grade

It was another tough outing for the Panthers on Saturday against the second-placed Bombers. The focus was on playing our style, enjoying the game, and celebrating each other.

Best on was Olive Moon, who stood strong in GD and adapted well throughout the game, helping transition the ball into attack.

Haylea Smith took on a tough GK role with excellent communication and positioning, while Jemma Smith impressed with sharp movement and strong rebounding efforts.

Despite the 82–24 loss, the Panthers showed resilience and had strong passages of play across all four quarters.

Final score: Benalla 24 def by Bonnie Doon 82

Awards: The Royal Hotel - Olive Moon, Hollywood’s Pizza - Haylea Smith, Benalla Racing - Jemma Smith

B-reserve

The All Blacks faced top-of-the-table Bonnie Doon and came out firing, going goal for goal in a strong first quarter. But as the game wore on, Doon’s consistency showed, pulling away for a 50-30 win.

Taitum Hemming was outstanding in GD, earning Best on Court for her relentless pressure and smart intercepts. Jo Gall brought energy and control through the centre, while Brooke Bradshaw impressed in the ring with strong drives and accurate shooting.

Despite the loss, the team showed great intensity and growing cohesion across the court.

Final score: Benalla 30 def by Bonnie Doon 50

Awards: Taitum Hemming: Royal Hotel, Jo Gall: Terry White, Brooke Bradshaw: The Coffee Merchant

Under-17

Benalla All Blacks came up against ladder-leaders Bonnie Doon on Saturday, going down 92–14 in a tough outing.

Despite the scoreline, the All Blacks never dropped their heads, continuing to support one another and demonstrating plenty of heart right to the final whistle. Their strongest quarter came in the last, where they lifted the intensity and stuck to their structures under pressure.

Eleanor Renkin stood out once again, making a strong impact across all thirds of the court. Her work rate and composure were key in keeping the team connected throughout the match.

Alicia Langlands had a solid game in wing attack, constantly presenting and working hard to bring the ball down the court. Her clean passes down the court and connection with teammates helped steady the play during some high-pressure moments.

In defence, Amali Mackenzie impressed with her strong presence in the goal circle. She pulled in several intercepts and rebounds, applying consistent pressure and refusing to give up even when the ball kept coming in fast.

The team continues to build resilience and cohesion as the season progresses.

Final score: Benalla 14 def by Bonnie Doon 92

Awards: Eleanor Renkin - Jenny Milner Pharmacy, Alicia Langlands - Hollywoods Pizza, Amali McKenzie - McDonald’s

Under-15

Sitting second on the ladder, Benalla knew they were in for a competitive clash against ladder-leaders Bonnie Doon.

Both teams came out strong, fighting hard for possession early in the game. Benalla worked tirelessly to transition the ball from their determined defenders through the midcourt and into the attacking circle, capitalising on their opportunities where possible.

Lola Crook was awarded the Royal Hotel Award for her outstanding versatility. She began the game shooting accurately in goals, moved into centre where she played a key role in ball movement, and finished with a strong final quarter in goal defence.

Sharni Hughes was also named among the best, standing out in wing attack, being a solid option for centre passes and giving precise feeds into the goal circle which were a highlight of Benalla’s attacking play.

Emma Manning earned the Chill Out Smoothie Bar Award for her hard work in defence, showing great determination and providing a great option when moving the ball from defence to attack.

Final Score: Benalla 28 def by Bonnie Doon 60

Awards: The Royal Hotel Award - Lola Crook, Benalla All Blacks Club Dinner Award - Sharni Hughes, Chill Out Smoothie Bar Award - Emma Manning

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Tuesday, 20th May 2025

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