Benalla basketball hits College courts in bid to get back

By Meg Saultry

Oct 7, 2020

Benalla Basketball Association hit the courts on Sunday in its first junior representative practice session since COVID-19 restrictions eased.

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But unable to access the indoor courts at the Benalla Recreation Centre - with Basketball Victoria signalling as far back as November 23 as a starting point to practice indoors - the association had to get creative in a bid to get its players back on court.

President Evelyn Dosser said one of Benalla's coaches Shane Riley sought special permission from Benalla P-12 College to use its outdoor basketball courts for practice.

But it's not all smooth sailing from here, with the association continuing to work to address problems as they arise, including implementing a heat rule and finding toilets nearby.

Dosser said the association was currently in the midst of seeking permission to use FCJ College's courts as well.

But despite the hurdles getting here, the biggest winners on Sunday were the kids, who were ecstatic to get back on court with their team.

“Tony (Long), his under-18s girls, they're all laughing and having a joke because they haven't been together,” Dosser said.

The association has planned to begin a junior domestic competition starting on Monday, October 10.

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