Silky Saints see off Tatura in round nine whitewash

Although the final score was far from close, a slow start posed the question of who would move closer to second-placed Nathalia early on.

Both sides lacked scoring prowess in the first term, with Benalla leading the Bulldogs by three behinds to one at the initial break.

Then the Saints came alive.

A second quarter barrage had the host slot four goals, soon soaring to a mighty lead before Tatura's Eimer Draper snagged a major to keep things interesting.

While Tatura managed to restrict the Saints to a single goal in the third period, the game was well and truly sealed in the last as Benalla blasted three more.

Issy Symes was named best on ground for the host, while Natalie Pritchard and Kelsie Piscioneri starred with two goals each.

The win sees Benalla leapfrog the Bulldogs into third on the ladder, meaning if it holds post, Nathalia will await in the preliminary final.

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