Benalla’s Goulburn Valley Netball League season began on Saturday afternoon when the Saints played host to Rochester at Benalla Showgrounds.
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Celebrating club legend Bridget Hill’s 150th game at Benalla added to the occasion as the Saints looked to work on their efficiency in the attacking third.
The first half of the match was relatively even as both sides went back and forth up and down the court, with the Tigers taking a nine-goal lead (25-36) into the third quarter.
Unfortunately for the Saints, the Tigers took full control of the match from there onwards, scoring 37 second-half goals to Benalla’s 20 to win the match 45-73.
Saints coach Jo Toms wasn’t discouraged by the result, instead focusing on her attackers’ improved performance on last year.
“For game one, I am really quite impressed with all the girls,” she said.
“Our shooters certainly started very well, they shot very well.
“Chloe Elliott, Bridget Hill and then we also had Ella Sheehan and Nat Pritchard swing through throughout the course of the four quarters and they all did really well.
“So that’s a start for us because last year, getting the ball in the hole was a challenge, so it was a good start.”
Toms may have highlighted some of the positives to come out of Benalla’s round match, but she isn’t ignoring some of the deficiencies in the Saints’ game.
“We lost the game purely in our lack of decision-making,” she said.
“We just forced the ball too much and probably were a bit too excited in game one, so for us, I think we need to tighten up in regards to our decision-making around passing and stronger drives through the centre.”
Despite the loss the Saints were still in celebratory spirits as they honoured Hill for reaching her milestone, as Toms believes it was a great way to kick off the 2024 season.
“Really exciting for ‘Bridge’ to have all those games under her belt and then come back for her first game back after some time away and having a baby,” she said.
Meanwhile in the Goulburn Valley Football League, shoulders were strapped, boots were laced and canteens stocked as Benalla’s football season got under way against Rochester.
The opening quarter remained fairly even — thanks in part to the Tigers’ inaccuracy — as the Saints fought hard to keep the contest tight.
At quarter-time the score sat 6-16 in Rochester’s favour, but as the second term started, hopes of a Benalla victory soon began to dissipate as the Tigers took control of the contest and never looked back.
Rochester finished the match with a 75-point win as the scoreline finished on 5.3 (33) to 15.18 (108).
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Stretched defence: Benalla’s Jacqueline Foster working hard. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 2 of 19
Don’t give them an inch: Benalla’s Megan Morrison. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 3 of 19
Look at the flick of the wrist: Benalla’s Megan Morrison. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 4 of 19
Hover pass: Benalla’s Ella Sheehan. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 5 of 19
Busy day on court: Benalla’s Megan Morrison was everywhere. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 6 of 19
Club legend: Benalla’s Bridget Hill celebrates her 150th game with Megan Morrison. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 7 of 19
Specky in the netty: Benalla’s Bridget Hill. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 8 of 19
Reaching out: Benalla’s Alexandra Davies. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 9 of 19
The Interceptor: Benalla’s Jordie Willcock. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 10 of 19
Eyes scanning: Benalla’s Jarrad Waite with footy in hand. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 11 of 19
Battling it out: Benalla’s ruckman Mark Marriott was named best-on-ground for his side. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 12 of 19
The Tiger’s chasing: Benalla’s Campbell McCoy is pursued by Rochester’s Wil Hamilton. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 13 of 19
Pressure’s on: Benalla’s Patrick Warner tackles Rochester’s Mitchell Bright. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 14 of 19
Golden fist: Benalla’s Campbell McCoy attempts a spoil. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 15 of 19
In the nick of time: Benalla’s Charlie McCarthy gets rid of the ball while getting tackled. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 16 of 19
Get rid of it quick! Benalla’s Aaron Blackburn boots the ball long. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 17 of 19
Jump well, jump high: Benalla’s Mark Marriott in the ruck. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 18 of 19
Double team: Benalla’s Jarrad Waite is swamped. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 19 of 19
Every last effort: Benalla’s Jarrad Waite tackles Rochester’s Ryan O’Keefe. Photo by Brenden PaddockBenalla’s round two match in the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League is an away trip to face Mooroopna.
Cadet Sports Journalist