Sport
Thriller at the showgrounds: Saints’ best performance of the season ends in agonising loss
In a thrilling round 15 encounter at the Benalla Showgrounds, Benalla’s A-grade netball team faced off against Mansfield’s best in the Goulburn Valley League. In its best showing of the season, Benalla fell agonisingly short, losing by a final score of 39-43.
Much like last week, it was the Saints who jumped out of the blocks, scoring six of the first seven goals. Mansfield was able to work itself back into the game, but it was the home team that took a 10-7 lead into the first break.
The second quarter again started with an Ella Sheehan flavoured goaling blitz, giving the Saints an early six-goal lead. From there it was a fierce exchanging of goals, Mansfield ending the quarter with its own run and the match was tied at half-time, 19-19.
As the third quarter commenced, the intensity escalated, we saw both teams battle hard, neither willing to give an inch. Benalla's scoring efforts were spearheaded by Bridget Hill and and Chloe Elliott, who managed to break through Mansfield's defence multiple times. However, Mansfield's Alexandra Ball and Molly Rekers continued their scoring spree and as the quarter ended, Mansfield held onto its slight 31-34 lead.
Image 1 of 7
Mansfield's Molly Rekers goes for goal. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 2 of 7
Benalla's Kate Symes works the ball out of defence. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 3 of 7
Benalla tries to defend a Mansfield attack. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 4 of 7
Benalla's Bridget Hill steadies before shooting. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 5 of 7
Benalla's Megan Morrison latches onto a pass. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 6 of 7
Benalla's huddle talks tactics at the break. Photo by Brenden PaddockImage 7 of 7
Benalla's Sarah Osborne calls for a pass. Photo by Brenden PaddockThe final quarter was a nail-biting episode and top tier netball viewing. Benalla, determined to secure its first victory of the 2024 season fought so valiantly. Scoring was again a tense see-sawing affair, Benalla steadying each time it gave up consecutive scores, but wasn’t able to counter punch effectively enough to find itself with the lead. Mansfield ended with a hard-fought four-goal victory.
From a Benalla perspective, this is its closest game of the season and an effort it should be proud of, however disappointing the final whistle must have felt. Pushing a very handy side to its limit and coming so close, the improvements are clearly visible now from a team learning in defeat each week.
It has its next chance at victory in two weeks’ time, due to the GVL round 16 split round. Benalla will hit the road again, off to Seymour to take on the 8-6, sixth-placed Lions.