The event was a grand gathering of 61 teams from nine zones across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with competitions in the under-12, under-14, and under-16 age groups.
The under-12s and the girls’ under-14 and under-16 matches were held in Shepparton, while the boys’ under-14 and under-16 games took place in Bendigo.
The under-12 tournament, held on Wednesday, July 3, to Thursday, July 4, introduced a modified version of field hockey known as Hockey 5s.
Benalla's Marty Gillies took the reins as coach for the North West Lightning (Blue) under-12 boys’ team, which included his son Zander Gillies and Jack Hurley.
Jack scored seven goals, while Zander netted a staggering 27, leading the team to a bronze medal finish with six wins and a single loss.
Zander’s outstanding performance earned him the best-and-fairest title from his teammates.
Bella Gillies, 9, took on the role of goalkeeper for the under-12 girls’ team.
Despite the team’s seventh place finish out of 11 teams, with three wins and three losses, Bella’s significant saves and skill improvements throughout the tournament were noteworthy.
Noah Gillies shone in the under-14 boys’ competition, scoring five of the team’s nine goals and securing the best-and-fairest title.
The team finished eighth with one win, one draw, and five narrow losses.
In the under-16 boys’ category, Joel Hamill and Olly Gillies represented Benalla, helping their team to a respectable fifth place finish with three wins, three losses, and a draw. Olly excelled in his role as a fullback, while Joel contributed significantly as a forward, scoring two goals.
Looking ahead to September, Amber Armstrong from Benalla is set to represent North West Lightning in the under-18 tournament.
