Benalla held on for a crucial win in the high country on Saturday.
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The Goulburn Valley League clash between the Saints and Mansfield looked done and dusted at three-quarter time with the visitors owning a 47-point advantage.
But the Eagles sprouted wings and kicked seven goals to three in the final term to send a scare through the Benalla camp.
Eventually the Saints managed to hold on for a 24-point win though and keep their chances of finishing in third spot alive and well — something playing coach James Martiniello was pleased with after the game.
‘‘It was good to get a win,’’ Martiniello said.
‘‘We had control of the game for three quarters and got ourselves into a strong position, but Mansfield threw caution to the wind in the last quarter and came home hard.
‘‘They gave us a bit of a scare, but it was a credit to the boys for being able to hold on.’’
VFL-listed Sam Martyn was again among the better performers for the Saints, along with Will Martiniello, Nick Warnock, Nick Wood, David Mennen and Stephen Murray.
The reigning Morrison medallist’s addition to Benalla’s line-up for the second time this season was welcomed by all of those around him, especially coach Martiniello.
‘‘I think we were on top in the middle of the ground and were able to get the footy out to our running players,’’ Martiniello said.
‘‘Having Sammy back is a massive boost to our side, he’s a classy player and really buys in to what we’re doing whenever he’s back with us.
‘‘He makes everyone around him a better player.’’
Murray booted four goals — his first bag of the year — to lead the way in attack for the Saints in his fourth game back from a shoulder injury early in the season, while Brody Webster (three goals) was also damaging.
‘‘We had a couple of different goal-kickers which was good,’’ Martiniello said.
‘‘It’s good to see (Murray) on the board coming back from injury, he’s been good for us, but it will be great for his confidence to feel like he’s contributing heavily on the scoreboard.’’
The only concern for the Saints was a hamstring injury to Tim Dynon in the second term.
The Saints now face a major test this Saturday, playing top-two team Echuca, which is coming off a loss at the hands of ladder leader Kyabram.
“It’s a massive game for us next week, we seem to be the only side that gets Echuca off a loss at the moment, so they’ll be looking to make amends,” Martiniello said.
“We’re expecting a hard contest, but we’ll give it our all.
“Last time we played them was pretty disappointing for us, so we’re keen to have a crack and see how far we’ve come and try to shore up our position on the ladder.”
Final score: Benalla 14.12 (96) def Mansfield 10.12 (72)
Goals: S. Murray 4, B. Webster 3, M. Exton 2, D. Mennen 2, S. Martyn, P. Warner, J. Spinks
Best: W. Martiniello, N. Warnock, N. Wood, S. Martyn, D. Mennen, S. Murray