Benalla’s David Mennen was enormous in the clash against Echuca at the weekend. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Benalla has suffered a second straight loss to begin the Goulburn Valley League season, going down to Echuca away from home on Saturday, but the Saints continue to show renewed promise under the tutelage of coach Nick Pearson.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Travelling to Tongala Recreation Reserve to face the Murray Bombers, with the game played on neutral ground given Echuca’s redevelopment of Victoria Park, the Saints were well and truly in the contest early, however, the might of the Murray Bombers eventually proved too much as the contest wore on, as Benalla eventually went down 6.4 (40) to 10.17 (77).
There was plenty of firepower left on the sidelines for Benalla on Saturday, with Tom Bennett a late out to join Chris Welsh and recruit Michael Mummery in watching on, while midfielder Nick Mellington was also among the onlookers after being ruled out in the opening five minutes of the clash.
Mark Marriot applies pressure to Echuca’s Mitch Wales in a marking contest.
Still, Benalla didn’t let the lack of personnel deter them, as they held Echuca goalless in the opening term, while a Nathan Wright major before the first break ensured the Saints led 2.1 (13) to 0.3 at quarter time.
While the first term saw the Saints fire a few shots, Echuca retaliated hard in after emerging from the huddle, and while the home side peppered the goal face without causing considerable damage early, returning five behinds from five scoring shots, they would eventually break through.
The Murray Bombers registered the only three majors of the second term to head into the sheds with a 3.8 (26) to 2.1 (13) lead, having kept the Saints scoreless after quarter time, and Benalla required a response after the main break.
Ryley Ely continues to impress as he gathers more experience at senior level, named in the best at the weekend.
It was a much more competitive effort from Benalla in the third term, matching the Murray Bombers goal for goal, although Echuca managed to further the lead by another two points, heading into the final term with a 17-point advantage, but the Saints were well and truly in with a shot.
It proved too big of a margin to overcome, however, as the Murray Bombers kicked away late with a 4.5 (29) to 1.1 (7) final term, the eventual 37-point margin of victory belying just how competitive the contest was.
Kevin Maroney has enjoyed a brilliant start to life as a Saint.
David Mennen was enormous for the Saints despite the loss, racking up 36 disposals and 11 contested possessions, leading the way through the middle of the ground, while Colby Mathieson, Kevin Maroney (24 disposals at 96 per cent efficiency), Travis Young, Nick Warnock and Ryley Ely were all valuable contributors too.
Nick Warnock gets a kick away.
Wright booted five goals in the win as the leading goal kicker on the ground, while Mitchell Vasterink added one in another solid showing from the new recruit, who continues to prove a handful for opposition defenders.
The Saints will look to rebound next week when they host Euroa in a special Benalla District Football League commemorative match at Benalla Showgrounds, with both sides entering the clash still hunting a maiden win in 2026.
