Hosting a strong Shepparton Swans outfit, who a week earlier had pushed reigning premier Shepparton all the way in a five-goal loss, the Saints proved no match for their opponent, as they were handed a 25-56 defeat to slump to 0-5.
While a slow start at Benalla Showgrounds saw the Saints give up eight of the first nine goals in the clash, the home side wasn’t entirely out of it at the first break, rallying to match the Swans as the contest neared quarter time to stem the bleeding, trailing 6-14 as the groups entered their respective huddles.
But the second term saw the gap widen significantly, as Benalla mustered only three goals for the quarter, while the Swans piled on 10 of their own, including a run of seven unanswered, to lead by 15 at the main break.
It was a much brighter start to the second half for the Saints, who enjoyed their best quarter of the contest in the third, replying to a four-goal run from the Swans with a four-goal run of their own and matching it for much of the term, although the visitors would add a late flurry of goals to extend the margin by a further five at the final break.
A 6-17 final term in favour of the Shepparton-based side saw the margin blow out somewhat, as the Saints were unable to maintain the intensity they showed in the third quarter, with the Swans romping to the eventual 31-goal victory.
The loss ensures Benalla remains winless through five rounds, stuck in 11th place on the ladder, one spot above Kyabram on percentage.
Another tough fortnight looms, too, as the Saints are set to take on a pair of premiership hopefuls.
A trip to Tatura Park this Saturday will see Benalla face the Bulldogs, a top-four side from last season, while the following week will see the Saints welcome reigning premier Shepparton to Benalla Showgrounds.
In the lower grades, Benalla’s B grade side fell 26-49 to a tough Swans outfit, while the B Reserve group was much more competitive in a 47-53 defeat.
In the juniors, Benalla’s under-17 side put up a solid fight in its 40-53 loss, while the under-15 squad was also competitive despite the 25-37 scoreline.
16°C