The Saints, who have shown steady improvement in recent weeks to remain in the contest for lengthy periods of time, proved no match for Tatura, going down 25-53 in the round five clash.
It was a promising start to the contest for Benalla, with Bridget Hill proving accurate inside the circle and capitalising on the work up the court to fire home some early goals, although Tatura managed to pull away slightly and create a 12-8 advantage by quarter time.
The Bulldogs blew the contest wide open with a 14-6 second quarter, opening the lead to 12 goals by half-time with a 26-14 advantage, which would prove a gap too big for the Saints to close down.
The margin pushed 20 goals by three-quarter time as Tatura once again stifled Benalla’s forward forays while pouring in the goals at the opposite end, leading 37-19 with a quarter to play.
Benalla battled until the final whistle, but ultimately Tatura proved far too strong, clinching the eventual 28-goal win with a 16-6 final term, moving the Bulldogs into third spot on the ladder.
Coach Chloe Hill was valiant in goal defence against a ruthless Tatura attack, as was Meg Morrison, while Milly Evans was also among the best, and Bridget Hill provided a brilliant option under the ring, responsible for 19 of the Saints’ 25 goals.
The Saints host Rochester this weekend at the Showgrounds, and will no doubt look to bounce back with a strong performance.
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