Magpies edge Saints in thrilling Memorial oval clash

SENIOR XVIII A neck-and-neck game unfolded on Saturday at Memorial Oval as the Benalla Saints took on the Euroa Magpies in what proved to be an entertaining contest. Late outs for the Magpies were Jack McKernan and Will Creevey, while the return of Mitchell Walters was a welcome boost for the team. Henry Thomas was recalled to the senior line-up, and the game commenced with Nate Trotter resuming his long-held role as key defender. However, this was short-lived, with the coaching team opting to shift him forward after quarter-time – a move that has been impactful throughout the 2025 season and was again on Saturday. Cohen Paul, who was awarded the Les Reed Medal for best on ground (with Hollie Reid winning the Mickey Reed Medal for best on court in the A grade netball), dominated aerial contests and played a crucial role in the win. Lachlan Hill’s relentless effort at the coalface stood out, repeatedly extracting the ball to his team’s advantage. Jacob Gleeson’s pace and clean ball use provided repeated opportunities for the forward line to capitalise on. Jake Penman was outstanding in an unfamiliar role, going up against much taller opposition in the ruck. His endurance and work rate were key components in the Magpies’ triumph. The final quarter was one to remember, with Benalla taking an early lead despite Euroa applying consistent forward pressure. Kicking a goal proved difficult for both sides until, in the final moments, Declan Redfern found himself on the end of a polished chain of play and calmly slotted a crucial goal to put the Magpies in front by four points – the final margin. Supporters, many fresh from enjoying the club’s annual Ladies Day, joined players and coaching staff in singing the club song with great enthusiasm in the rooms following the match. The club retained the prized Rob Robinson Cup, with JD and Tayla Robinson proudly witnessing the Magpies’ win. The club has a bye next week due to the interleague round, with an away match against Tatura scheduled for Saturday, 31 May. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 10.13.73 defeated Benalla 10.9.69 BEST PLAYERS: Cohen Paul, Jacob Gleeson, Jake Penman, Jack Frewen, Marcus Varley, Lachlan Hill. GOAL KICKERS: Jett Trotter (two), Nate Trotter (two), Declan Redfern (two), Cohen Paul, Lachlan Hill, Jayden Gleeson, Nicholas Asquith. RESERVE XVIII By TONY BRODIE WE were high heading into the reserves match, with Euroa considered a good chance to claim the four points. The first quarter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams competing hard and despite having several opportunities to hit the scoreboard, Euroa could only manage behinds. As the match progressed, Benalla gradually gained the ascendancy, and by half-time the Magpie coaching group was disappointed with the team’s inability to convert forward entries into goals. Benalla controlled the match from the third quarter onwards, maintaining scoreboard pressure, while Euroa struggled to respond. The final quarter followed a similar pattern with the Magpies unable to mount a comeback and, despite the loss, the players worked hard. Jarmen Tremellen’s return from a long-term ankle injury was a highlight – his presence will strengthen the club once he finds match fitness. Team leaders gave strong efforts, continuing to encourage teammates. With several players returning from a now replenishing seniors side, the week off will bolster both sides for the next round. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 2.4.16 defeated by Benalla 11.10.76 BEST PLAYERS: Will Jackson, Nicholas Thomson, Mitch Penman, Bede Redfern, Ryan Mackrell. GOAL KICKERS: Jarmen Tremellen, Joshua Chestney. THIRD XVIII IN a thrilling finish, Euroa’s third XVIII edged out Benalla by a single point in a tense encounter. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 7.8.50 defeated Benalla 7.7.49 GOAL KICKERS: Noah Campbell (two), Sam Holden (two), Jack Walters, Oliver Wilson, Harrison Mills. BEST PLAYERS: Harrison Mills, Noah Campbell, Drew Coller, Casey Collett, Sam Holden.

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