Benalla’s under-13 hockey side of Phoenix Erickson, William Keen, Hayden Littler, Finn Thompson, Rachel Erickson, training coach Lee Manning, Sophie Littler, Madeleine Wright, Charlee Lambden and game coach Amber Armstrong. Photo: Winnie He.
There was some fantastic team play on show from Benalla Hockey Club in Shepparton on Saturday for round 14 of the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association competition.
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Under 13s vs Strikers Red
Benalla’s under-13s had a cracking final game to end the 2026 season, with the team banding together against the strong Strikers Red.
Goalie Hayden put in a standout performance in goals, pulling off several critical saves with firm footwork to keep Benalla in the contest, while Phoenix worked hard at fullback, using smart passing and composed play to help move the ball out of defence.
Madeleine and Finn were strong through the midfield, battling for possession, applying plenty of pressure and making some well-timed tackles to shut down Strikers’ attacks.
At centre forward, William was a constant threat, using his stick skills and quick movement to take on the Strikers defence, then keeping possession with several long runs in towards the Tigers’ goal.
Out wide, Rachel and Charlee worked hard to create attacking opportunities, finding space and keeping the pressure on in the forward half.
Captain Sophie led the team brilliantly covering plenty of ground including racing the ball out of a penalty corner, tracking back to help in defence and supporting her teammates right across the field but Benalla was unable to counter Strikers’ goals in the 4-0 loss.
It was a huge team effort from start to finish, with Benalla bringing plenty of energy, determination and teamwork to finish the season with plenty to be proud of, and a performance that reflected the fight, spirit and growth they’ve shown all year.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Hayden Littler, 2 - Phoenix Erickson, 1 - William Keen.
Under 16s vs GVGS
Brodie Rawlings lines up a great slap hit towards goal during the under-16 clash against GVGS. Photo: Lee Manning.
The under-16s played their best team game of the season against GVGS, holding the majority of the play by creating fantastic linking passes up and down the field.
The defence worked hard, with Cael constantly halting GVGS’ fast breaks, and Steele cutting off at least three hard hits into the circle.
Goalie Annie made an awesome high ball save and repelled multiple shots on goal, with Indi assisting to clear the ball out.
Halves Jack and Rory seemed to run from one circle to other, with fast breaks after forcing turnovers and pushing out wide to Alida and Breanna who both made some fantastic passes into the circle.
Brothers Brodie and Kobe constantly fed each other the ball down the wing, with some long runs and great passing into the circle, where Xavier converted two runs into goals!
Angus made himself known on the wing, angling in and keeping possession through the midfield for some great runs at goal, and was very unlucky to miss twice in the tight 3-4 loss.
Goals: Xavier Kramer 2.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 - Brodie Rawlings, 2 - Breanna Graham, 1 - Angus Hayes.
Women’s SYC vs Strikers
The SYC Women also played their best team game all season, able to hold Strikers to just one goal for three quarters of the game.
The first half saw SYC have most of the play towards their attacking goal, with a few very unlucky misses, and Strikers winning a penalty corner with a goal belted in from the top of the circle.
Lee raced the field as an inner and also half-back, defending with some handy deflections right in front of goal, while Amber was strong tackling outside the circle and made some critical saves in front of the goal line.
Jacinta’s versatile skills quickly converted turnovers into fast runs down into the attacking circle, but despite SYC’s great teamwork, Strikers scored a goal right on the siren to take the 3-0 win.
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