Taking on the undefeated minor premier at Kyabram Recreation Reserve on Sunday morning, the Saints suffered a 5.0 (30) to 16.25 (121) defeat, but their season remains alive, with a second chance at punching a grand final ticket presenting itself this Sunday.
Having only faced each other once this season, way back in round two, there were plenty of unknowns heading into the weekend’s clash, though with a perfect home and away record, the Murray Bombers looked a tough prospect on paper for Benalla.
Immediately the Saints found themselves on the back foot as Echuca peppered the goal face from the opening bounce, and by quarter-time, the Saints were left 22 points behind after failing to score, while the minor premier added 3.4 of their own.
The Murray Bombers continued the onslaught to start the second, adding three goals on the bounce, though the Saints finally broke their scoring drought on the eve of half-time, as Connor Breheny slotted his first major of the afternoon.
Trailing 1.0 (6) to 6.9 (45) at the main break, the Saints’ tough outing continued in the third term as Echuca put the foot down, adding six goals to one after half-time, with Breheny once again kicking Benalla’s only major of the term, though the game was effectively over at the final change with Benalla trailing 12-90.
Despite the scoreline, the Saints pushed on in the final term, recording their best return of the day with three straight majors via Owain Boyle, Breheny and Cooper Binion, never dropping their heads despite the eventual 92-point defeat.
Boyle was named Benalla’s best in the defeat adding a goal to his brilliant work around the ground, while Kobi Thwaites and Josh Hart competed strongly all day, as did Logan Hyland and Braedon Blackford to round out the best, and Breheny finished his outing with three majors as his side’s only multiple goal-kicker.
While the Saints would no doubt have wanted to confirm their spot in the grand final at the weekend, their season continues on for another week after week one results ensured they earned the double chance.
Benalla will now face Shepparton this Sunday at Deakin Reserve in the preliminary final as they attempt to clinch the final spot in the big dance, after the Bears – who finished second on the ladder – completed a 74-point victory over Shepparton United on Saturday in the first semi-final to progress, while the Demons’ season came to an end.
The opening ball up between Benalla and Shepparton is set for 9:15am this Sunday, September 13 at Deakin Reserve.
