Under 14
This week the game was moved from the Benalla Showgrounds to the Benalla Friendlies and it was in great condition with weather to suit.
The Giants looking to consolidate 5th position up against Wangaratta College started the game in lack luster style being lead to the ball and being dominated around the contest. Tom Levy up forward this week was looking to reverse the trend presenting strongly at the footy and taking several powerful marks.
In the second quarter the midfield starting moving and although it wasn’t the greatest footy, the effort was lifting. Josh Hyland was looking to make a day of it winning several hard balls and kicking truly. Aidan Turner and Brodie Laird back from injury were proving to be a thorn in the College attack controlling the footy in the back half for the Giants. At the main break the Giants held a 30 point lead.
After the main break College were clearly primed for the contest and came out firing matching it with the Giants. Illness to Tyson Ryan and Josh Milner meant a total reshuffle down in the backline and allowed the momentum to move to the College’s way. Several undisciplined acts from the Giants didn’t help matters with College making the most of it.
In the last quarter the Giants held College at bay despite College’s best efforts. Some great defensive marks by Angus O’Halloran finished off a great game while Josh Hyland was unstoppable finishing up with 9 goals. Deakyn Kohler was also very strong for the Giants up forward and while the midfield probably lowered its colours, Rory Wapling tried hard all day.
Giants 11-9-75 def. 6-6-42
Goal Kickers: Josh Hyland 9, Deakyn Kohler 1, Tom Levy 1
Best Players: Josh Hyland, Tom Levy, Aidan Turner, Brodie Laird, Angus O’Halloran, Deakyn Kohler
Under 16
With the clash of the top two sides and the sun out it felt like finals were just around the corner. Giants were looking to rebound with a win against College but from the first bounce it was apparent College wanted the win more than the Giants. College moved the ball quickly catching a number of Giants players either behind or flat footed. It was only poor kicking by College that kept the margin respectable at quarter time.
The second quarter was much the same as the first with the Giants having their first score just prior to the half time siren. Injuries to several players over the past couple of weeks coupled with heavy grounds was evident with the Giants lacking their normal running game.
The second half saw the Giants at times show the football they can play only to have College open up the first half margin running out easy winners.
Giants are now looking to regroup with the final home & away match against Centrals next week.
Giants 7-2-44 lost to Wang College 14-15-99
Goal Kickers: Paddy Warner 4, Rhys Goodley 2, Campbell McCoy
Best Players: Riley Johnson, Paddy Warner, Brady Purcell, Nathan Holmes, Brayden Wapling, Campbell McCoy