Despite conceding significant ground late, the Saints claimed a 12.13 (85) to 10.7 (67) victory at home, dominating proceedings for the majority of the contest to improve to level their ledger since the interleague bye.
It was a blistering start from Benalla to open the contest at the weekend, with the home side slotting the first two goals of the game through Ryley Ely and Nathan Wright, adding another pair on the other side of a Kaedyn Napier goal for the Demons to open up a 21-point advantage by the time the siren sounded for the first break.
The margin was widened even further in the second term as the Saints kept the pressure on, as Wright opened the scoring with his second major as Benalla added the first three of the quarter, making it seven of the first eight for the game to at one stage lead by 40 points, eventually heading into the sheds with a 7.8 (50) to 2.4 (16) advantage at half-time.
A Mark Marriott goal to open the second half had Benalla pick up exactly where it left off and, although the Demons managed to cut the lead back to 30 points at one stage, the Saints rallied to win the term and extend the margin to a game-high 43 points at three-quarter time, with the win all but secured.
Having traded goals early in the fourth term, it was all Shepparton United to finish, as the visitor kicked the final four goals of the contest to storm home, however, it proved a futile attack, with the Saints more than far enough in front to run out the game comfortably, the final margin being 18 points.
Wright continued his good form in attack for the Saints, booting a game-high three goals to preserve his lead at the top of the league goal-kicking ladder, taking his season tally to 35, and was the only multiple goal-kicker among the 10 individual Saints to be credited on the scoresheet with a major.
Chris Welsh was among those 10 in a best-on-ground performance, with the star Saint continuing his remarkable form to be named among Benalla’s best in every game this season.
Welsh was joined by Marriott (one goal), who is putting together a dominant season and pushing his case for best ruckman in the league, while defender Nick Warnock’s (one goal) season continues to go from strength to strength with yet another appearance among the more influential.
Ethan Maney was in the votes too, the ball magnet continuing his strong first season in Benalla colours, while Jordan Wolff (one goal) was also a strong performer in the victory.
While the Saints remain in 10th spot on the ladder following the victory, their 3-8 record remarkably has them two wins off sixth-placed Shepparton at the conclusion of round 11, although the Bears have a game in hand.
The Saints will look to cap a successful triple-header at home in round 12 with a third straight win when they take on Shepparton Swans, while Shepparton United will travel to Euroa in the hope of a rebound victory.
