Top performer: Euroa’s Jayden Gleeson put in a good shift on Saturday.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
While Mooroopna’s upset of the ages stole headlines in the final round of the Goulburn Valley League at the weekend, spectators at Benalla Showgrounds almost witnessed a shock of their own.
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A pulsating Saturday afternoon encounter between Euroa and Benalla provided an unlikely thriller, with the Magpies limping to a nail-biting 17.15 (117) to 15.7 (97) victory.
The Saints welcomed back Jarrad Waite and Tom Downie for their final round encounter and the big men went about their work in commanding fashion, almost leading them to a memorable win.
Early in the contest it was the home side that was on top, with a terrific first quarter having the Saints hold an eight-point lead at the first break.
In the second it was more of the same, with Mark McKenzie’s men piling more pressure on the Magpies and providing plenty to cheer about.
Leading by 13 points at half-time, supporters at Benalla could see an upset on the cards, however, the visitors came out of the sheds determined, flipping the deficit into an 11-point lead with one quarter remaining.
Despite the best efforts from a gallant Benalla, Euroa did enough to hold on in the last term, running out a 20-point victor.
Good spell: Benalla’s Jarrad Waite kicked five goals on Saturday.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Jayden Gleeson and Jack Hellier were Euroa’s best, while Jett Trotter kicked three goals.
For Benalla it was James Martiniello, Jake Pallpratt and Tom Downie that stood up, with a five-goal haul to Jarrad Waite showing once again he is still a force to be reckoned with.
The result has Euroa finish the season in third position, while Benalla finishes in 10th.
