A scintillating start for Shepparton at Deakin Reserve has helped the Bears to an imposing 14.13 (97) to 8.5 (53) win over Benalla in Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League action.
The Bears came to play in their Sunday afternoon encounter, and with memories of their dismal defeat to the Saints back in round 10 perhaps still lingering in their minds, Shepparton kicked a whopping seven goals in the first term to Benalla’s one.
The hosts would have been further in front after the first change, if not for some wayward kicking, and managed a poorly five behinds in the second quarter while the Saints clawed back two goals.
Nevertheless, Ted Lindon’s side maintained a healthy 30-point margin at half-time.
Both sides tightened the screws in the second half, but the Saints had more of a run on early, trimming the margin back slightly.
But Shepparton kept the visitors at an arm’s length, finishing the third term with three goals apiece.
Entering the final term with a 29-point deficit, a big finish was required from the Sainters, and despite the efforts of Jake Pallpratt, Chris Welsh and co, the Bears dug deep and brought it home with a four-goal-to-two closing stanza.
Bears youngster Jayden Dhosi had his best game of the year in front of the big sticks, booting four goals, while Tyler Bell (three goals) and Lachlan Rumbiolo (two) also got busy down forward.
Dhosi was awarded best-on-ground for Shepparton, while Pallpratt clinched it for Benalla for his defensive efforts.
Saints forward weapon Brody Webster finished with a game-high five majors.
Shepparton heads to Moon Oval next Saturday for a final-round encounter with Rochester, while Benalla will bring its season to a close with a clash against Euroa back at home.