Shepparton United's Shinea Sali.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton United remain in touch with the Goulburn Valley League’s A-grade top six after a comprehensive defeat of Benalla on Saturday.
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Hosting the Saints at Deakin Reserve, the Shinea Sali-led Demons made sharp work of their opponent, holding Benalla to just five goals in the opening term.
It came after Abby Gilmore scored the first 10 of 11 goals for the game, setting the tone early for the red and blue as the Saints were put to the sword.
A stalwart in the goal circle, Hannah Onley would weave her influence on the contest next, the Demons doubling the quarter-time margin to 18 at the main break.
Quelled by a lively intercepter in Olivia Kirby, Benalla’s Nikita Hanson was held to 13 goals for the match, while Saint Grace Thomas was limited to nine - and in the third term, Benalla would score only two goals.
The Demons’ defensive presence would earn Kirby top votes for the match, while Onley and wing defence Hannah Garner were also impressive.
A cruisy term to finish set the Demons up to celebrate victory, finishing with a 59-22 final result.
The win moves United to seventh on the A-grade ladder, a win behind finals calculations, while Benalla has been condemned to an 0-9 record.
Shepparton United's Chloe Meulenmeesters begins an attacking phase.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Shinea Sali keeps the ball moving.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Grace McKinneny flings the Gilbert.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Sophie Garner issues a short pass.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Hannah Garner aims to throw a hail mary.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton United's Shinea Sali blocks a passing lane.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Benalla and Kyabram will battle it out in round 10 to end one side’s winless campaign so far this season, with the Bombers also yet to be victorious, while the Demons will host sixth-placed Seymour in a ladder-shifting clash.
The Lions are coming off the back of a 16-goal win against Rochester, while Kyabram suffered a 65-goal defeat at the hands of Mooroopna.
In round nine’s top-of-the-table clash, Echuca ended Euroa’s unbeaten start to the season in a 57-51 thriller, while ninth-placed Mansfield stunned reigning premier Shepparton by seven goals, handing the Bears their third loss of the season as Kim Borger was absent ahead of Melbourne Vixens duties.
Tatura won an effective eight-premiership-point swing in its 15-goal defeat of Shepparton Swans to close out the round’s results.
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