Benalla Red triumphs over Imperials, advances to preliminary final

By Adam Miller

Aug 27, 2024

Jack Hart celebrates a goal againts Imperials at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Sunday. Photo by Contributed

Benalla Juniors’ march through the WDJFL finals series continued on Sunday, with a 19-point win against Imperials at the Wangaratta Showgrounds in their elimination final clash.

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Coming off a comprehensive 65-point win over Bright in the first week of finals, Benalla felt comfortable of continuing its good form, despite coming against an Imperials squad it lost to by 57 points in round one.

Benalla Red in action against Imperials at the weekend.

From the opening bounce it was clear much had changed since the opening round.

Despite most of the quarter being played in Benalla’s defensive half, it took a nine-point lead into the first break courtesy of a Louis Horne goal.

Benalla would then extend its margin to 17 points by half-time in a quarter in which it kept Imperials scoreless.

The third quarter was Benalla’s best as Xavier Beriman, Jack Hard and Teddy Sheehan played some of their best football for the year to take a 23-point lead into the final break.

Defender Tom Snell stood up in the last quarter taking and intercepting multiple kicks to ensure the Reds advanced to face the Wangaratta Tigers in the preliminary final.

With two wins over the Tigers this season, the Reds are a huge chance to play in the grand final if they play like they have the last two weeks.

Best on the field on a successful day for the Reds were Xavier Beriman, Jack Hart, Sam Mount, Edward Sheehan, Angus Roscoe and Louis Horne.

Final score: Benalla Red 4.9 (33) def Imperials 2.2 (14).

Goals: Jack Hart, Sam Mount, Louis Horne, Ted Sheehan.