In a brilliant tussle that featured plenty of momentum swings and lead changes, the Saints were unable to hold off the fast-finishing Bombers, going down 43-48 in an entertaining affair.
It was the Saints who got off to the hot start in front of their home crowd, with Bridget Hill and Nikita Hanson capitalising on the strong work of their teammates across the court to convert with accuracy inside the circle, going on a seven-goal run midway through the opening quarter to establish a 14-10 lead at quarter-time.
A strong opening period in the second term pushed Benalla’s lead out to a game-high seven goals at one point, as the home side looked to be well on top of proceedings, however, Kyabram soon found its groove, ending the half with a flurry to cut the margin, although Benalla still led 23-21 at the half.
While it had been Benalla that had opened the scoring in each of the first two terms, it was the Bombers’ turn to do so in the third and, with a four-goal blitz, took the lead within the first few minutes of the second half.
Apart from a small run of three consecutive goals to the visitor in the middle of the quarter, it was virtually goal-for-goal for the rest of the third term, as Benalla battled valiantly to remain in the contest despite relinquishing the lead, heading into the final break within striking distance, trailing 33-37.
In a final quarter that ebbed and flowed, Kyabram extended its lead to an equal game-high seven goals, before the Saints trimmed it back to two, with the ball flying from one end to the other in a free-flowing display.
Ultimately the four-goal buffer Kyabram enjoyed at the final change proved to be enough, with Benalla unable to reclaim the lead, eventually going down by five goals in a thoroughly enjoyable contest.
Olivia Dalton was named Benalla’s best, working tirelessly through the midcourt to give her side every opportunity, while Bridget Hill and Megan Morrison were influential at the attacking and defensive ends, respectively, earning them nods in the best also.
The Saints head to Echuca for a round 15 clash against last year’s grand finalist, before a return to the showgrounds in round 16 against Tatura.
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