Entering the clash on Saturday at Benalla Showgrounds, there was a sense of optimism from the Saints, who had shown great promise in recent weeks despite the lack of results, while also having enjoyed the spoils over the Eagles in their previous meeting under lights on the road earlier in the year.
And while the first term suggested yet another down to the wire finish was brewing, the subsequent three quarters saw Benalla gradually drift out of the contest, eventually falling 9.10 (64) to 20.15 (135), as Mansfield continues its late push towards finals.
Determined to claim victory after a series of frustrating defeats in the second part of the season, Benalla look sharp early, with skipper Chris Welsh booting the opening major of the contest to take the early lead.
While there would be multiple shots on goal from the Saints in the following minutes, none of them found the middle of the big sticks, as the Eagles proceeded to kick the next three goals of the game to race out to a 13-point lead, although a late major to Patrick Warner cut the deficit back to seven by the first break, with Benalla trailing 2.2 (14) to 3.3 (21).
With just over a kick in it as the two sides huddled up for the quarter time address, it looked as though Benalla was again going to be scrapping out a close contest over four quarters, however, Mansfield soon flipped the script.
The Eagles went on the offensive in a big way to start the second term, slotting the first six goals unanswered, and seven of the first eight total, leaving a shell-shocked Benalla 44 points in arrears and with few answers to stem the bleeding.
Goals to Rory Sammon and Tom Riley left the Saints 39 points down at the half, and while it would take something special, they weren’t completely out of the contest just yet.
A quick start would be imperative in pulling back some of the margin to start the third term, but once more the Saints were left chasing, as Mansfield piled on the first three goals of the second half.
Young gun Owain Boyle slotted his first of the afternoon to stop the Eagles’ run, however Mansfield responded with another two, though the Saints replied in kind via another youngster in Cooper Gracie and big man Mitchell Vasterink, in what was a strong period heading into the final break.
Mansfield continued to run strongly in the final term, kicking four of the first five majors, two each either side of another major to Boyle, who continued to show plenty of fight in spite of the scoreboard.
David Mennen too was rewarded with a late major as Benalla scrapped until the very last, ultimately going down by 71 points.
There were still positive for the Saints, with Boyle finishing with two goals to be named Benalla’s best as he continues to gain exposure to senior football, while Vasterink was right behind him as he added to what has been a brilliant first year at Benalla, kicking a goal in the process.
Sam Begley was resolute all day, as was another first-year Saint in Kevin Maroney, who has proven to be one of the most impactful recruits in the GVL this year, while Welsh rounded out the most influential, booting a goal and leading from the front as always.
The Saints face another tough ask this week as they travel to Deakin Reserve to take on ladder leaders Shepparton, though with games against Tatura and Shepparton Swans to finish, they will be hopeful of another win before season’s end.
