The U18 Benalla Breakers claimed the division two title at the Benalla junior tournament. Photo: Benalla Breakers.
The U18 Benalla Breakers boys’ side capped off a brilliant Delatite Ford Benalla Junior Tournament by clinching the division two title, while the under-12 and under-14 Breakers also enjoyed solid tournaments that culminated in runner-up finishes.
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The successful U18 campaign got under way on Saturday with a hard-fought contest against Mansfield Gold, which saw Owain Boyle and Connor Breheny lead the way with 11 points each in a one-point triumph for the Breakers.
It was a more comfortable victory in round two for the Breakers, who accounted for the Deni Giants 29-20, with Braedon Blackford (11 points) and Breheny (7 points) the top scorers.
It was a hugely successful tournament for the Breakers, with three of their sides reaching grand finals, and the U18 boys claiming the title. Photo: Simon Ruppert
A perfect Saturday was completed with a round three win over Myrtleford Saints, as Boyle put up 20 points in a 44-37 Benalla win to give the Breakers plenty of momentum heading into grand final Sunday.
The final pool game on Sunday saw Benalla claim a 53-33 win, with Boyle and Blackford again starring with 12 points each, while Breheny and Kobee Mann contributed nine apiece also in a strong team showing, which saw the Breakers book their place in the decider against Mansfield Gold.
The U14 Breakers finished as runners-up. Photo: Benalla Breakers.
Having triumphed by a point in the first group game, a tough contest was expected in the grand final, however with a home court advantage, the Breakers got off to a flyer, pouring in 17 points to 10 in the first half to take a commanding half-time lead.
That would only be extended in the second half as Boyle (13 points), Breheny (11 points) and Jack Walker (10 points) took control of the contest, extending the margin by a further nine points to claim a 41-25 win, and with it the title.
The Breakers’ U14 Boys Orange in action against the Gators. Photo: Simon Ruppert
Owain Boyle was named MVP in the win, top-scoring in the final after a brilliant showing during the group games also.
The U12 Breakers enjoyed a brilliant tournament to finish as runners-up. Photo: Benalla Breakers.
The under-12 and under-14 blue division two boys’ sides also enjoyed brilliant tournaments, reaching their respective finals after going undefeated in the group stages, however came up against stronger opposition in the deciders.
