Playing on Mooroopna’s smaller John Gray Oval caused a bit of overcrowding in Benalla’s forward line, but the Saints were able to overcome this concern, and came out firing to kick six unanswered goals by quarter-time.
And while Mooroopna appeared bigger and stronger, they were no match to the speed and fitness of Benalla.
Tayissa Gray continued to show her ability, speed and accuracy up forward for the Saints and finished with four goals for the quarter.
The second quarter played out similarly to the first, with Benalla scoring 3.3 for the term, and showed great teamwork by hand and foot, as they continued to look for a teammate in a better position.
During the third quarter, Mooroopna begun to find some form and limit Benalla’s scoring opportunities, though couldn’t replicate that down their forward end, with the Saints defence keeping them scoreless before the final break.
But Mooroopna’s time came in the final term as they broke through for a goal, but it was too little too late, with Benalla adding another three goals to cement their dominance ahead of a run at finals.
This Sunday Benalla Saints return to Benalla Showgrounds to host Tatura, with the first bounce set for 12.30pm.
Final score: Benalla 15.7 (97) def Mooroopna 1.0 (6)
Goal kickers: T. Gray 7, A. Buka 3, S. Pritchard 2, O. Antonello, M. Gray, M. Cronin.
Best Players: T. Gray, O. Antonello, M. Gray, S. Pritchard, I. Symes, A. Buka