The juniors were able to experience what full-field hockey would feel like, and how there are different skills required for different hockey formats.
This week Benalla under-16A joined Mooroopna in a special round of the GVHA fixture to play traditional 11-a-side full field hockey.
After a quick introduction and warm-up, the combined team took to the field to play against a combined GVGS and SYC.
The newly combined team demonstrated a remarkable synergy on the field, blending a mix of experience, skills and strategies from both teams.
The players quickly adjusted to their new roles, showcasing their versatility and improving throughout the game.
Olly Gillies scored a pivotal goal from a second short corner after an earlier attempt by Noah Gillies was disallowed due to a technicality. Sealing the win 1-0.
Women vs SYC
The Women played an equally matched game against SYC this week, resulting in a narrow lose, 3-1.
Throughout the game, the Women continuously displayed the developing tactics they have been working on in the recent weeks.
The Women have upheld the ability to limit the success of SYC from getting through their wall of defence on free hots, the forward line positioned themselves well, consistently limiting the number of players available for SYC to pass through to.
The forward line worked well together to collect the ball from the half line to continue the attack on SYC’s defence. Benalla had the opportunity multiple times from short corners to have a shot of goal, even having success once.
When in the short corner play, Siobhan Higgins pushed it out to Bec Littler who was able to hit the ball through the defenders from SYC.
Across the forward line, Jacinta Woodward used her strong tackling to stop SYC in their tracks and remove many tries to go down the field.
Further down the field within the half line, both Amber Armstrong and Heloise du Bois were like brick walls again this week. They stopped many attacks from SYC which resulted in them to minimise the advance from the opposition and even at times turning the ball over into Benalla’s possession. They worked well together to always back each other up when defending Benalla’s goal and being an option for each other when turnovers happen.
In defence, junior Annie Ferguson stepped up into the Women’s team this week and did a phenomenal job.
When faced with the danger from SYC’s strong hits, she remained calm and kicked multiple balls out of the goal circle to reduce the chance for SYC to score.
Along the back line, Ebony Jennings utilised her strong hits to help travel the ball up the field and allow Benalla to run up the field.
The Women had a close game against SYC with a few unlucky goals scored against them but showed the wonderful team spirit to back each other throughout their game.
Goals: Bec Littler (1)
Votes: Heloise du Bois (3), Amber Armstrong (2), Katrina Brown
Round-13 fixtures, August 10
9am: Under-10 vs GVGS
9am: Under-12 vs Echuca
11am: Under-16A vs SYC
10am: Under-16B Black vs SYC
3:30pm: Men vs Echuca
Under 16B Orange and the Benalla Women have a bye next week.
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