Facing the Eagles under lights at Mansfield Recreation Reserve, the Saints were spirited but ultimately proved no match for a Mansfield outfit that is enjoying a hot start to its 2026 campaign, falling 24-54 at the final whistle.
It was a relatively competitive start from the Saints, who remained in touching distance for most of the first term despite the Eagles finding an early break, although a late flurry of goals pushed the margin out to six by quarter time.
Trailing 6-12 at the first break, the Saints maintained the gap to begin with; however, a run of five unanswered Mansfield goals midway through the term saw the home side out to a double-digit lead, and while Benalla steadied to stem the bleeding, the half-time margin of 12 goals meant the Saints would need to overturn a 12-24 deficit in the second half if they were to win.
But while Benalla was able to increase its scoring output by a goal in the third term, adding seven goals to the tally, it was unable to stop Mansfield from doing the same, with the hosts putting 12 goals on the board for the third straight term to essentially put the contest to bed, leaving the Saints behind at 19-36 with a quarter to play.
The margin blew out somewhat in the last, as the Eagles accelerated and Benalla’s intensity dropped, with a 18-5 final term ensuring Mansfield won by an eventual 30 goals.
A fourth loss to start the year has the Saints down in 11th on the ladder, ahead of only Kyabram; however, they will have the opportunity to respond this weekend when they host Shepparton Swans on Saturday afternoon.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom on court for the Saints against Mansfield, though, with the B grade side putting in a valiant effort, and while the players were unable to claim the four points, they showed plenty of resolve in the 28-33 loss.
The B Reserve side enjoyed an emphatic win, too, defeating the Eagles 53-22 to level its season ledger at 2-2. The Saints are knocking on the door of the top six after four rounds, sitting seventh on percentage.
It was victory too for the under-17s, who notched the first win of their campaign, toughing out a gritty 55-52 win on Saturday afternoon, while the under-15 side was valiant in defeat, going down 35-61 but showing plenty of positive signs as the youngsters hunt a second win this season.
