After suffering a loss to Rochester the Cats responded with a determined defensive display at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve to overcome the Saints 6.15 (51) to 4.9 (33).
While accuracy again proved elusive in front of goal, the hosts’ ability to control territory and create opportunities was enough to secure a valuable four points in a low-scoring round 11 Goulburn Valley League encounter.
The Cats laid the foundations in a dominant opening half as they held Benalla scoreless through the second quarter and carried a commanding 25-point advantage into the main break after limiting the visitor to 1.3 (9) by half-time.
Liam Adams and Will Wood struck in the second term as the home side built scoreboard pressure, while Toby Williams, Noah Williams and Dan Tuddenham also got in on the act, kicking goals during an even team-oriented attacking effort.
The Saints refused to go away quietly, as a three-goal third quarter gave the visitors some impetus, with Mitchell Vasterink, David Mennen and Michael Mummery hitting the scoreboard as the margin narrowed heading into the final change.
However, Mooroopna's defence stood firm when it mattered most, restricting the Saints to 1.1 in the last quarter and ensuring the result was never seriously threatened.
There were no major bags for the Cats, with Williams the only multiple goal-kicker with two majors, but the spread of contributors highlighted the collective nature of the victory.
Campbell McElhinney, Ben Woods, Liam Betson, Reeve Evans and Keelin Betson were influential in a performance built around pressure and discipline.
The victory was an important response from Mooroopna, with the result putting it level with Shepparton United, Rochester and Kyabram on 20 points.
Those sides boast a superior percentage to the Cats, but John Lamont’s charges are in a position to push on for a finals spot during the business end to the campaign.
Next up, Mooroopna faces off against winless Tatura in what promises to be a potentially pivotal clash for both teams in the context of the season at home.
Meanwhile, Benalla will be hoping it proves a lucky round 12 up against premiership contender Echuca at the Murray Bombers’ home ground.
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