With only 16 players taking the field for the Saints, contested efforts were left to a handful of players.
But despite a lack of fresh legs, the Saints were able to hold the lead until the second half.
And while the Saints were in a winning position up until the final quarter, it wasn’t enough in the end, with a number of key players going down with injuries.
Rumbarlara’s pressure and tackling proved incredibly effective and coupled with lapses in discipline from the Saints, it proved costly when the visitors were able to take full advantage of a number of awarded 50s.
Saints’ Kylie Relf was named best-on-ground for her efforts, while Relf’s little sister Brittany Button also had a strong game.
A number of Saints recruits showed plenty of determination and grit for their new team, with Pip Ferry, Holly Foster, Amanda Paull and Nicole Button all putting in competitive games, while Saints ruck Fiona Powels held strong through some heavy hits and was among the team’s best.
The Saints will face Mooroopna at Benalla Showgrounds on Sunday, April 28.
Final score: Benalla 6.6.42 d by Rumbalara 8.5.53
Goals: Brittany Button 2, Phoebe Wilson, Cheree Tregoning, Nicole Button, Alison Ballard
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