Benalla’s Ryley Ely tackles Echuca’s Jackson Stewart.
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
Benalla’s trek to Victoria Park to take on reigning premier Echuca descended into an absolute slog on Saturday, with atrocious conditions making life difficult for both sides in the round 15 Goulburn Valley League senior football clash.
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The Saints got off to a slow start in the wet, muddy conditions, and despite some strong patches, were never able to gain a strong foothold in the contest, eventually going down 3.5 (23) to 10.9 (69).
It was all Echuca early as the home side made a blistering start despite the weather, as Murray Bomber Hugh Byrne slammed through the first three majors of the game, while Tighe O’Brien added one late, to give the home side a 26-0 lead at the first break.
But Benalla rallied after quarter-time, with ruckman Mark Marriott putting the Saints on the board with their first major, which was followed up by James Martiniello, who split the middle of the big sticks to cut the deficit back to 13 points as the two sides headed into the rooms for half-time.
The Saints having kept Echuca goalless for the quarter, the first time that has happened all season.
Nick Warnock and Mark Marriott fly for the ball.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The strong work that was done in the second term came unravelled in the third, however, as Echuca put the foot down.
While Nathan Wright opened his account to steady the Saints after the Murray Bombers kicked the first two goals of the second half, Benalla was unable to find any further reply, with the home side stretching the margin out beyond six goals by three-quarter time having booted the final three unanswered for the term.
Nathan Hill was among the best for Benalla in the loss.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Scoring came at a premium in the final term, with the solitary goal scored going the way of Echuca, as the Murray Bombers closed out the 46-point victory.
Marriott was named Benalla’s best in the loss, finishing the afternoon with 18 disposals, one goal, four marks and three tackles as the second-highest rated player on the ground, while Nick Warnock (17 disposals, four marks) was also influential.
Ryley Ely (33 disposals, five tackles) had plenty of the footy as he continues to impress in his first senior season, while Martiniello ((18 disposals, six tackles, one goal) and Nathan Hill (19 disposals, six tackles) rounded out the best.
The Saints will enjoy a week off due to the split round 16, returning to the field on August 9 when they host Tatura at Benalla Showgrounds.
