Benalla juniors painted the Shepparton Hockey Field orange on Saturday for the Junior Skills Clinic.
They benefited from expert coaching from Premier League players from Essendon and Camberwell Hockey Clubs, in skills such as channelling, defending, jinking and shooting for goal.
The Goulburn Valley Hockey family then got a great taste of skilful, fast Premier League hockey, with the orange and blue Camberwell winning the Men’s, and Essendon winning the Women’s — it sure was hard to keep up with the camera.
U12s: Hockey 5s practice match
Benalla played themselves in a 5-side, quarter field “Hockey 5s” practice match — resulting in a 6:6 draw and smiles all round.
Finn Thompson and adopted Tiger Liam Graham (SYC) donned goalie gear and saved some goals right on the line.
Newcomers Inderbir Singh and Pavneet Kaur made some great plays, with Pavneet scoring Orange’s fourth goal.
Teddy Thannhauser tackled well and drove the ball forward, Annie and Alida Ferguson and Luci Hurd positioned well to intercept, and Angus Hayes and Amity Hurd ran all game.
Goals: Finn (1), Alida (3), Amity (3), Angus (3), Annie (1), Pavneet (1).
Coach’s award: Finn Thompson.
U14s: Mooroopna-Benalla vs GVGS Gold
The U14s improved again on last week, keeping spectators in suspense with nil-all at half time before a great 2:1 win.
Angus Hayes worked hard on the wing, earning Most Valuable Player for positioning well and some great intercepts.
Xavier Kramer played a high wing with great positioning in the circle, and Sophie Winkler covered the whole midfield as half back.
With increased drive and stick skills, Erin Jenkins intercepted and carried the ball well, making plays in the midfield and circle.
Umpire best and fairest votes: 3 — Mia Ponting, 2 — Abbie Vaivads, 1 — Erin Jenkins.
B-Women
The B Women also played a “Hockey 5s” practice match, finding out how fast, skilful and fun the modified game can be.
With four field players and a goalie per team on a quarter, third or half field, there is less room for error, but many more touches on the ball and much higher-scoring games.
Watch this space for Summer Twilight Hockey 5s in Benalla.
GVHA games this weekend:
10am: U12 Benalla vs Strikers; Canteen duty
10.45am: U14 Mooroopna-Benalla vs Echuca — in Echuca
12pm: U17 Mooroopna-Benalla vs Echuca — in Echuca
3.30pm: B Women Benalla-SYC vs Strikers