Benalla unable to fly to the same heights as Murray Bombers in GVL

By Hamish Donaldson

Aug 7, 2023

Space ahead: Nicholas Brazil kicks forward. Photos: Brenden Paddock Photo by Brenden Paddock

The Saints were hoping for a miracle against an Echuca side that has lost only once this season.

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To throw another spanner in the works, Benalla would have to cause an all-mighty upset against the backdrop of an injury crisis that continues to ravage the side.

At the Benalla Showgrounds, Echuca lived up to expectations and came away with a dominant win, 13.22 (100) to 4.5 (29).

Fintan Brazil impressed for the Saints in defence as he did well to not let the scoreline blow out completely.

Quick hands: Benalla's Will Martiniello fires off a handball. Photo by Brenden Paddock

No singular player stood out on either side in terms of scoring as the Murray Bombers scored through multiple different outlets.

Benalla’s chances were limited by a solid defensive effort by the away outfit, including premiership defender Ben Ried who returned to the Murray Bombers after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury.

Echuca’s scoring chances flowed throughout the game but the side could not capitalise on the fair share of the opportunities, kicking 22 behinds to its 13 goals.

Winding up: Benalla's Christopher Welsh on the ball. Photo by Brenden Paddock

Echuca’s 71-point win sends the side to top of the GVL ladder as eyes turn to Seymour to keep in the race for the minor premiership with a win over Shepparton Swans in the second half of the split round.

Benalla will be hoping the week off gives it time to get more players fit and back into the side for its penultimate game of the season against Shepperton United.